Woman gunned down by ex after leaving work identified
By Ontaria Woods, Cody Alcorn, and Jonathan Raymond
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GWINNETT COUNTY, Georgia (WXIA) — The victim who was shot and killed Friday just moments after leaving work at a shopping center in Gwinnett County has been identified as a 21-year-old woman.
The suspect — whom police say was located in Columbia County, Georgia and died of a self-inflicted gunshot after a brief chase and PIT maneuver — has also been identified as a 23-year-old man.
According to an update from the Gwinnett County Police Department, the victim, Elaijia Whitley, had previously been in a relationship with the suspect, Caprice Hudson.
The tragic killing happened Friday afternoon just minutes after Whitley left work at a plasma donation center in the Duluth area. The shooting happened in the parking lot of the Promenade at Pleasant Hill shopping center on Pleasant Hill Road.
Police described the crime at the time as a “domestic-related homicide.”
Coworkers who didn’t want to be identified said the victim had just left work and was planning to give another coworker a ride home when someone pulled up, opened her car door, and shot her.
One woman who knew the victim but didn’t want to be identified told 11Alive the violence hit close to home.
“This is a crazy, senseless situation,” she said. “You shouldn’t have to worry about if I leave work or go here, am I gonna make it back? Nothing in the world is that deep to where someone has to lose their life over it.”
BioLife closed for the remainder of the day as employees grieved the loss of their coworker.
On Friday evening, the company released the following statement:
“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.”
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