Azana Salon owner answers questions nearly month after shooting

BROOKFIELD -- It has been nearly one month since the shooting at the Azana Salon & Spa in Brookfield. Radcliffe Haughton entered the salon on October 21st and opened fire, killing three and injuring four before turning the gun on himself. On Wednesday, November 14th, the salon's owner addressed the media.

Tami Gemmell, the owner of the Azana Salon & Spa in Brookfield talked about the shooting and for the first time, answered questions Wednesday.

Gemmell was out of town at the time of the shooting and was just returning from a trip to Europe when she heard of what had happened. She has only spoken about the shooting once -- reading a prepared statement a few days after the shooting.

On Wednesday, Gemmell thanked the community, other salons and businesses for their kindness in the month since the shooting. Gemmell said she visited 17 salons during Tuesday's fundraiser to thank them for their support.

She also discussed what she did and didn't know about the relationship between Zina Daniel and her husband, Radcliffe Haughton.

The Azana Salon & Spa is set to reopen in December, and Gemmell said her employees are looking forward to it.

"(The Azana employees) are longing to be back together again. Part of the healing process is getting back into your normal routine and we're not able to do that because a lot of these girls can't go to work yet, but everyday they get one day closer and they're very excited. They can't wait to be under one roof again. We are truly one big family, and we've been apart too long," Gemmell said.

Gemmell said she had "no idea" of the problems between Zina Daniel and her husband, Radcliffe Haughton. Police have said there was a history of domestic abuse within the relationship.

"It could have happened to any of us, and that's a very harsh realization. I think a lot of domestic violence goes unnoticed or untalked about," Gemmell said.

Victim Maelyn Lind's father recently told FOX6 News problems between Zina Daniel and her husband were well known, though Gemmell denied this knowledge.

Gemmell said she has been in contact with the four injured Azana employees and families of the victims. She said while the salon has been closed, she has also been there financially for her employees.

"They haven't had to file for unemployment. I'm compensating everybody during this down time," Gemmell said.

Now, Gemmell said, it's time to look forward.

"We're one big family and I'm going to make sure each and every one of them is taken care of," Gemmell said.

Gemmell plans to reopen the salon on December 1st. She says all of her employees are welcome back, and she hopes they all return. 

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