Florida Mother of Twins Shot to Death in Her Arms Speaks Publicly For First Time: 'My Heavenly Father By My Side'

By Julie Brown Patton
7451640
Injured Florida mother, Megan Hiatt, who lost her twin girls while their father shot them to death in her arms, communicates today for first time since Nov. 13 attack: "First off, I want everyone to know that I know my Savior Jesus Christ lives and that my Heavenly Father has been by my side throughout this process and I could not be doing this without that knowledge."  Megan Hiatt Facebook

Megan Hiatt, who told police she was forced on Nov. 13 to hold her twin five-month-old daughters as the children's father killed them, is communicating publicly for the first time today on her own - and she wants everyone to know that she "knows her Savior Jesus Christ lives." Hiatt's mother, Melissa Bateh, spoke on her daughter's behalf soon after the accident, as reported in The Gospel Herald on Nov. 17, to convey what Hiatt said occurred.

Five bullets also struck Hiatt on the day of the tragic development. Her father, Travis Hiatt, 49, also was killed during the incident.

In a message posted today on the GoFundMe page to raise money for the burial costs for Hiatt's father and her daughters, as well as her medical expenses, the 22-year-old Jacksonville, Fla., woman thanked the 679 supporters who have donated a combined $26,473 to her campaign to date.

"First off, I want everyone to know that I know my Savior Jesus Christ lives and that my Heavenly Father has been by my side throughout this process, and I could not be doing this without that knowledge," Hiatt commented.

She said she achieved a major milestone by holding a cup and bottle in her left hand that was injured in the crossfire of the shooting incident.

"I received a skin graph in surgery this morning for my left leg that seems to be doing well. Today marked six surgeries on that leg with a total of eight surgeries. Many more to go but I know that your thoughts, prayers, and all other efforts on my behalf haven't gone unnoticed and are all greatly appreciated. They are the reason that I am alive," she said.

"Emotionally, I'm taking it one day at a time, but my thoughts are becoming more clear and when I am recovered and well, I look forward to becoming a major advocate for domestic violence issues toward women and men. XOXO - Megan Rose."

She also said the donations brought her to tears, and that because of them, her daughters were able to be buried in beautiful white coffins next to her father, who she called "our knight in shining armor."

"I don't know how to thank you for that blessing and love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, dear friends."

Police reports indicate the twin girls' father, 28-year-old Gawain Rushane Wilson, entered Hiatt's home and killed the twins and Hiatt's father before taking his own life, leaving Hiatt the shooting spree's sole survivor.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories