UPDATE
The victim of a “domestic related” shooting in Georgia last week has been identified as 21-year-old Elaijia Whitley.
The shooter has been identified as her ex, 23-year-old Caprice Hudson, who took his own life in Columbia County after a brief police chase.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help with funeral and memorial expenses.
Initial Coverage
A Georgia woman’s life ended in a shopping center parking lot in Duluth Friday, moments after leaving work, when she was fatally shot inside her car.
Atlanta’s 11 Alive reported that on Friday afternoon, a BioLife Plasma Services employee left work and walked to her white Kia, where she was fatally shot in a busy shopping center located on Pleasant Hill Road.
“At approximately 3 p.m., officers were dispatched to 1625 Pleasant Hill Road in reference to a female who had been shot,” a Gwinnett County police spokesperson said.
Witnesses were questioned, and surveillance videos from neighboring businesses were collected and analyzed by homicide detectives.
Corporal Angela Carter stated, “This is a pretty populated area. There were multiple witnesses that remained on scene and are actively being interviewed by homicide detectives,” according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
One plasma center donor, Hiroki Harris, 11 Alive reported saying that “right about when I was getting my vitals checked, hooked up to the bed, I guess you could say all chaos happened.”
Harris continued, saying, “BioLife made the announcement, ‘We’re done for the day.'”
When Harris left the plasma center, he noticed his vehicle within the crime scene tape.
“Just to think, literally two spaces over from where I parked is the scene of a crime,” he said.
On Friday evening, BioLife Plasma released a statement concerning the tragedy.
“We are aware of the incident that occurred earlier today outside our Duluth center. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones who have been affected. Law enforcement is investigating, and we are cooperating fully with their investigation.
“BioLife is not able to share any additional information at this time. The center is currently closed and will remain closed until further notice.”
11 Alive found out late Friday night that deputies with Columbia County confirmed that the suspected shooter had died.
The suspect reportedly committed suicide after crashing into a ditch caused by deputies performing a PIT maneuver on the suspect’s vehicle around 7 p.m.
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[Feature Photo: Family Handout]