The world of television news is reeling after the tragic death of Travis Renee Baldwin, a cherished makeup artist whose warmth and skill touched the lives of colleagues and celebrities alike. On the morning of Sunday, August 17, 2025, Baldwin, 57, was fatally shot by her son, Logan Chrisinger, inside an apartment in Arlington, Virginia. The shocking incident has left her family, friends, and the larger broadcasting community grappling for answers as they mourn a woman remembered for her kindness, humor, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.
According to Arlington County Police, officers were dispatched to the Virginia Square Towers on Fairfax Drive just before 8:30 a.m. after receiving a distressing report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found Baldwin suffering from a gunshot wound. She was rushed to a local hospital but, despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead soon after. Chrisinger, 27, was present at the scene and was arrested without incident. He now faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Chrisinger is being held without bond at the Arlington County Detention Facility, as reported by WRC-TV and confirmed by police statements cited by TMZ and The US Sun.
The details leading up to the tragedy paint a harrowing picture of a family in crisis. Family sources told TMZ that Baldwin left her home around 3:20 a.m. that Sunday, responding to what she believed was an urgent crisis involving her son. She had been FaceTiming with Chrisinger earlier that morning when he reportedly threatened to kill himself and flashed a gun on camera. Loved ones were aware that Chrisinger was struggling with mental health issues and had, on previous occasions, threatened Baldwin—once even saying he hoped she would die. The family also noted that Chrisinger had recently lost his job and was anxious about the prospect of losing his apartment, compounding his distress in the days leading up to the shooting.
Despite these warning signs, Baldwin, described by her family as a fiercely loving mother, rushed to her son’s side without hesitation. Her brother, John, told WTTG-TV that Baldwin was reticent about the details but that he sensed something was wrong. “She didn’t tell me why, but from what I understand, from what I could tell, I knew there was something going on,” he said. The family’s account underscores Baldwin’s devotion to her children—her son Logan and her daughter Adrianna—as well as her beloved dog, Kai. “She would have done anything for her kids and her beloved pup,” relatives shared with TMZ.
As the news of Baldwin’s death spread, an outpouring of grief and tributes flooded social media, especially from the tight-knit world of television news. Baldwin’s career spanned decades and included stints at major networks such as ABC and ESPN before she found a home at Newsmax. There, she became a fixture behind the scenes, working with anchors and correspondents who came to rely on her both professionally and personally.
Greta Van Susteren, a prominent Newsmax host and former anchor at Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC, was among the first to share her heartbreak publicly. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Van Susteren wrote, “What sadness…my Newsmax makeup artist of 3 1/2 years, and years at @ABC @espn etc and a friend to all of her colleagues…was murdered over the weekend…she did my makeup Friday for the show and of course I never dreamed that would be the last time I would see her…” The sense of disbelief and sorrow was echoed by many who had worked with Baldwin, each recalling her as more than just a colleague.
Amber Duke, a senior editor at Daily Caller and former Newsmax staffer, described Baldwin as “a kind, generous, funny woman who always brightened the day of anyone who sat in her chair.” Duke reminisced about Fridays at Newsmax, which she looked forward to because of the camaraderie and laughter she shared with Baldwin. “Fridays at Newsmax were something I looked forward to because I knew we’d get to gossip, talk about our upcoming travel plans, our pets, and any good wines we were drinking. She will be dearly missed,” Duke posted, along with a throwback photo of the two making faces. “She’d probably be so mad I’m sharing this photo. RIP Renee.”
Other colleagues echoed these sentiments. Virginia Allen, a news producer at Daily Signal, wrote, “Absolutely heartbreaking. Renee was honest, loving, and so talented. Newsmax will never feel the same without her.” Newsmax White House Producer Marisela Ramirez added, “Renee had a giving heart and a gypsy spirit but really she was a quiet warrior, supporting her family and carrying the weight of a household on her shoulders—without complaints.” The sense of loss was palpable across the network, with James Rosen, Newsmax’s White House correspondent, simply posting, “Renee Baldwin RIP,” alongside a photo of Baldwin.
Baldwin’s impact extended beyond her technical skill as a makeup artist. Colleagues described her as someone who brought light and laughter to even the most stressful days in television news. Former Newsmax host Lyndsay Keith shared, “Such heartbreaking news. She also did my makeup for years and was the kindest soul.” These tributes paint a portrait of a woman who was not only talented and dedicated to her craft but who also formed deep, meaningful connections with those around her.
As of now, police have not released a motive for the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing, and the community is left searching for answers amid the heartbreak. Funeral arrangements for Baldwin have yet to be announced, as her family and friends continue to process the enormity of their loss.
In the days since her passing, those who knew Travis Renee Baldwin have been left to reflect on her legacy—a legacy defined by generosity, resilience, and an unwavering love for her family and friends. Her colleagues at Newsmax and across the television news industry say the newsroom will never feel the same without her presence. While the circumstances of her death are tragic and confounding, the memories she created and the lives she touched endure, a testament to the quiet strength and kindness she brought to every day.
