NEW ALBANY, Ind. — A close-knit community was left reeling after a New Albany mother was tragically murdered in her own home by her son, who she had argued with over his reluctance to work and contribute financially. The victim, 56-year-old Sally Samourian, had reportedly been living in a strained atmosphere with her 23-year-old son, Maxwell Samourian, who is now facing murder charges.
Sally, originally from Trinidad, had made southern Indiana her home since childhood. Over the years, she formed a deep friendship with Sandy Swain, a fellow mother she met while their sons participated in local taekwondo classes. The bond between the two women extended to their families, spending vacations together and sharing numerous memorable moments.
Swain, devastated by the loss, recounted how the vibrant laughter that once filled her days abruptly ceased. Sally’s death was confirmed in a distressing call from her boyfriend last week, leading Swain to rush to her friend’s residence, only to be met with a somber crime scene.
Reflecting on the troubling relationship between Sally and Maxwell, Swain noted that tensions had escalated over his lack of employment and growing dependency on his mother. “She expressed her exhaustion,” Swain recalled, “She told him she couldn’t handle it anymore, which might have been taken badly by Maxwell.”
Further compounding the concerns, there were indications that Maxwell might have been struggling with drug issues, an observation that gained credence when he was hospitalized for an overdose last year. Swain, who was working in the emergency room at the time, had the poignant duty of informing Sally about her son’s condition.
As friends and neighbors try to make sense of the tragedy, they remember Sally as a woman who fervently hoped her son would turn his life around. “She had dreams for him, wanted him to achieve something significant,” Swain said, her voice tinged with sorrow.
The loss of Sally is not the only hardship Swain has faced recently. She is still coping with the death of her fiancé, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident seven months ago.
Maxwell was arraigned quickly after his arrest, with a court date set for July 24, where he will face the consequences of his actions. Meanwhile, Swain is left to cherish the memories of a friend whose life was cut tragically short, determined to ensure that Sally’s vibrant spirit is not forgotten. “It’s hard, but I want to keep her smile alive in everyone’s heart,” Swain resolved, a testament to the enduring strength of friendship amid unimaginable grief.