Shivangi Sinha
Katherine Ranta AKA Kate had noticed troubling signs in her marriage and made the decision to leave in order to protect herself and her young son. However, her estranged husband managed to track her down and attempted to force his way into her home. During the confrontation, he shot Katherine and her father, who was also present. The horrifying incident unfolded in front of her son, who pleaded with his father not to harm his mother. In ID’s ‘Toxic: Don’t Shoot Mommy,’ Katherine recounts her harrowing experience, how she rebuilt her life, and where she is today.
Katherine Ranta’s Ex-Husband Shot Her in Front of Their Son
Katherine “Kate” Ranta was living in Washington, D.C., raising her son, Henry, when she met US Air Force Major Thomas “Tom” Maffei. Their relationship progressed quickly, and within six months of knowing him, they got married. She described the early months of their marriage as calm and happy, and in 2008, they welcomed a son named Will. The family later relocated to Parkland, Florida. However, Kate claimed that Tom began to change and became increasingly violent and aggressive. She alleged that he often threatened to take William away from her, and over time, the abuse escalated to the point where she felt trapped and without a way out.
In 2011, after an argument, Tom allegedly pulled a gun on Kate. She fled, and he drove off with their son, but she managed to call the police. They advised her to obtain a restraining order. Though she was granted a temporary order, it didn’t provide enough protection. Despite the legal hurdles, Kate was determined to fight as she didn’t want to endanger her or her son’s safety. When an incident arose involving Will allegedly being given unprescribed medication by Tom, Child Protective Services issued an informal warning. Realizing the growing danger, Kate filed for divorce and made the decision to move to Coral Springs, Florida, where her father lived, in hopes of creating a safe distance from her then-husband.
However, on November 2, 2012, Tom managed to track Kate down and pulled up outside her home. Sensing danger, she quickly barricaded herself inside with her father and 4-year-old Will. Tom forced his way to the door and began shooting through it. One bullet struck Kate in the chest. He then entered the house, shot at her father, and fired another round that hit Kate’s hand. At that moment, little Will pleaded, “Don’t do it, Daddy! Don’t shoot Mommy,” and Tom hesitated. The police, already nearby, intervened swiftly and rushed Kate and her father to the hospital. While they both survived, the trauma she endured went far beyond physical wounds.
Katherine Ranta’s Husband Was Handed Down a Long Sentence
After the incident, the police arrested Thomas Maffei, and he was later convicted on multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, burglary of a dwelling, and shooting into an occupied home. He received a 60-year prison sentence. Although Kate successfully finalized her divorce, the psychological scars from the attack ran deep. While she was discharged from the hospital within weeks, the emotional trauma took much longer to heal. Determined to rebuild her life, Kate relocated to Massachusetts with her son, William “Will” Ranta. She chose the state specifically for its strong gun safety laws. The move marked a turning point as she began educating herself on firearm legislation and became a passionate advocate for stricter gun control.
Katherine Ranta is a Strong Advocate for Better Gun Control Legislation
Kate Ranta now resides in Rockport, Massachusetts, where she has transformed her life and become an outspoken voice for change. No longer living in fear, she has dedicated herself to political and social activism, channeling her painful past into meaningful advocacy. She is actively involved in her local community, participating in various civic efforts and standing firmly for causes that matter to her. In October 2019, she published her powerful memoir, ‘Killing Kate: A Story of Turning Abuse and Tragedy into Transformation and Triumph.’ In the book, she recounts her journey of survival, healing, and empowerment, writing candidly about how the “old Kate” died the day she was shot and how she rebuilt herself into someone stronger, more fearless, and unafraid to speak out.
Kate has since become a passionate advocate for domestic abuse survivors and a leading voice in the movement for stricter gun control laws. In November 2023, she addressed the U.S. Supreme Court during United States v. Rahimi, a landmark case concerning the legality of firearm possession by individuals under domestic violence restraining orders. She has also shared her story on widely followed podcasts, including ‘From Now On with Lisa Phillips’ and ‘All the Wiser.’ In late 2024, she participated in a panel discussion at the University of Massachusetts as a thought leader. Politically active, Kate has taken part in several anti-Trump protests, including those held in May 2025 and throughout the election season. Today, she continues to fight for justice, survivor protection, and lasting legislative change, proving that even the deepest trauma can give rise to extraordinary strength.
Katherine Ranta Maintains a Tight Relationship With Her Son Today
Kate Ranta’s greatest joy is her close-knit relationship with her son, William. Now a high school student and a proud member of his school’s musical band, the young man has inherited both a creative spirit and deep admiration for his mother, calling her “the strongest woman ever.” Kate never misses a performance, sitting in the front row with unwavering support, always his loudest cheerleader. Their life in Rockport is full of warmth and love. They share their home with two beloved pets, Tuukka, a spirited dog, and Freddie, a cozy, affectionate cat. Together, the family celebrates everything from local festivals to quiet snow days, often skiing, attending jazz concerts, or trying new neighborhood restaurants.
Kate finds peace in yoga and meaning in small moments like teaching William how to drive or cheering him on through school milestones. In April 2025, her father, Robert Ranta, celebrated his 80th birthday, and he was surrounded by the family he helped keep strong. He remains central to their lives, offering wisdom and warmth. For Kate, these simple, shared moments are reminders that healing is possible and life can be deeply beautiful.
Read More: Thomas Maffei: Where is Kate Ranta’s Ex-Husband Now?
