Xbox developer killed by husband in murder-suicide

Melissa Batten, 36, who worked as a software development engineer in Microsoft’s Xbox division, was killed by her estranged husband earlier this week. Her husband, Joseph Batten, also 36, murdered Melissa before shooting himself.

Melissa had worked for Microsoft since 2002 and her name can be found in the credits of such games as Halo 3 and Gears of War. She had been working more recently with Rare for its Xbox 360 titles. Prior to joining Microsoft, Batten had worked as a lawyer with a Harvard education. 

Joseph Batten, who had also worked in Microsoft before joining Wizards of the Coast, was described as verbally abusive and obsessive. Melissa had previously sought a protection order after finding out her husband had purchased a handgun. 

Destructoid offers its condolences to Melissa’s family and colleagues.