Death of Nigerian Bodybuilder Shot by Wife in the US After 18 Days in Coma
Michael Chidozie, a Nigerian American bodybuilder shot by his wife in the US has died from spinal injury complications after 18 days in the hospital.
The 26-year-old was shot four times by his wife Keaiirra Shavoiyae Chidozie, 28, in front of their two children at their apartment in Houston, Texas during a heated argument on March 21.
Chidozie was said to have been rushed to Ben Taub Hospital in Texas after police found him with gunshot wounds and his wife in a panic holding their two sons, aged three and two in a nearby car park.
A Houston media outlet, ABC13, reports that court documents show that the victim was shot in the arm, the chest, and torso and left on the bedroom floor by his wife who frantically sought help from neighbors before they alarmed the police.
He was on life support until he succumbed to his injuries last week. Keaiirra was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
She claimed to have shot Chidozie in self-defense and fear during the heated argument which began elsewhere in the house before she went to the bedroom, picked up a pistol and shot him.
However, the report did not reveal whether the Nigerian national who was a bodybuilder had physically assaulted his wife for her to resort to shooting him for self-defense.
Friends said they had never seen the couple be violent towards each other and were shocked that an argument escalated into fatality.
Chidozie was a natural bodybuilder and social media influencer who grew a considerable following on Instagram and other platforms. He had amassed over 114 thousand followers on Instagram alone.
His bodybuilding career involved winning Mr. Atlas and signing deals with vitamins and supplements providers EHPLabs, and On Repeat Sports, an apparel company for weightlifters.
Keaiirra was released on bail and is to appear in court on May 23. She is expected to face a murder charge following Chidozie’s death.
Chidozie’s family who prayed for him when he was in the hospital, now trying to raise $70,000 to bring his body back to Nigeria for burial, as it was his dream to one day return to the country.
“His passing has left a profound void in the lives of all who knew and loved him. He was a devoted father, a cherished son, and a dear friend to many,” they said.
“Chidozie’s kind heart, infectious laughter, and unwavering love for his family will forever be remembered and cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.”
Chidozie’s wife, Shavoiyae was released on bail and is set to face court on May 23, and their children are being cared for by another family.
Causes of Conflict in the Home
Conflicts in the home can arise from various sources, including interpersonal relationships, differences in values or expectations, and external stressors. They may include:
- Poor communication or misunderstandings can lead to conflicts in the home. This may include ineffective listening, misinterpretation of messages, or lack of clarity in expressing needs and feelings.
- Individuals within the household may have different values, beliefs, or cultural backgrounds, leading to conflicts over lifestyle choices, parenting styles, or religious practices.
- Financial stress, such as debt, unemployment, or disagreements over spending habits, can strain relationships and lead to conflicts about money management and financial priorities.
- Conflicts can arise when there are discrepancies in expectations regarding roles and responsibilities within the household, including chores, childcare, and decision-making.
- Differences in parenting styles and approaches to discipline can cause conflicts between parents or between parents and children.
- Major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or relocation can disrupt family dynamics and lead to conflicts as family members adjust to changes.
- Lingering resentments, unresolved conflicts, or past traumas within the family can resurface and cause tensions, especially if they are not addressed and resolved.
- External factors such as work-related stress, health problems, or societal issues can spill over into the home environment and exacerbate tensions among family members.
- Individuals within the household may have different personality traits, temperaments, or communication styles, leading to clashes in interactions and conflicts.
Addressing conflicts in the home requires open communication, empathy, and willingness to compromise. Family members can work together to identify the underlying causes of conflicts and develop constructive strategies for resolution and reconciliation.
How to Avoid Conflicts
Avoiding conflict often involves effective communication, empathy, and proactive steps to address potential sources of disagreement.
- Practice Active Listening without interrupting or judging. Pay attention to their concerns and feelings, and show empathy by acknowledging their perspective.
- Communicate Clearly and Respectfully. Be mindful of your tone and body language to avoid escalating tensions.
- Choose Your Battles Wisely: Not every disagreement needs to turn into a conflict.
- Seek Common Ground. Look for win-win solutions that address everyone’s needs and concerns.
- Establish clear boundaries and expectations in your relationships to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts from arising. Respect others’ boundaries and communicate your own needs assertively but respectfully.
- Manage Your Emotions. Take a step back and regulate your emotions before responding to a potentially conflictual situation.
- Address Issues Early. Don’t let grievances fester or escalate into larger conflicts.
- Choose Positive Language and avoid inflammatory or accusatory language that can escalate conflicts.
- Know When to Walk Away
By incorporating these strategies into your interactions and relationships, you can effectively navigate conflicts and promote harmony and understanding with others.