A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was arrested Saturday on suspicion of fatally shooting her boyfriend in their apartment in Chula Vista.

Melissa Hayes-Spencer, 30, was arrested after a daylong investigation into the early morning shooting. The name of the 30-year-old victim was not released.

Hayes-Spencer said the shooting was in self-defense.

According to Chula Vista police: “She told police he was beating her. So she shot him in the chest.”


Hayes-Spencer was treated for an injury to her hand, police said. A gun was found in the bedroom of the apartment.

The shooting is being investigated by the Chula Vista police, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, and Customs and Border Protection officers.

Part of the investigation includes whether there have been “any other reported or unreported incidents of domestic violence between the two,” according to Chula Vista police.

The district attorney will determine what charge would be filed.


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