A mom of three whose husband is battling cancer was shot and killed by her roommate, who police say mistakenly thought she was an intruder.
A representative from the Columbus, Georgia, Police Department shared with Fox News Digital that Erica Anderson, aged 31, was fatally shot by her roommate on October 13. The roommate reportedly thought Anderson was an intruder as she returned to her rented room after visiting family in Indiana.
The shooting remains under investigation and police will not be releasing any further details at this time, the spokesperson said.
Erica Anderson, a Columbus State University professor, was fatally shot around midnight Monday. (Erica Anderson/Facebook)
Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan informed WTVM that Anderson arrived back in Columbus, Georgia, around midnight. According to Bryan, the roommate had been receiving violent threats from her son, including promises of physical harm and threats to set the house on fire.
Woken by a noise while asleep, the roommate retrieved her pistol and ventured into the hallway, firing one shot, then another, which inadvertently struck her roommate, as Bryan explained.
Bryan stated to the local media that he is categorizing the incident as an accidental death. He mentioned that Anderson’s remains will be sent for an autopsy at the state crime lab. Fox News Digital has contacted the Muscogee County Coroner’s Office for further information.
“You have to think about the roommate that shot her. I’m sure she’s devastated as anyone would be under the circumstances,” he said.
Erica Anderson was a lecturer at Columbus State University, the school said. (Columbus State University)
Anderson had recently relocated to the college town, taking on a new role as a first-year professor at Columbus State University’s College of the Arts, teaching in the Theater and Dance Department.
Prior to her role at Columbus State University, Anderson taught at Southern Utah University and the University of Florida.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends, as well as the students she impacted,” said CSU President Stuart Rayfield in a statement.
Erica and Andy Anderson had three children. According to a GoFundMe set up for the family, Andy was undergoing cancer treatment. (GoFundMe)
Anderson was “passionate about her work and her students,” a GoFundMe page in support of her family stated.
Her GoFundMe page reveals she leaves behind a husband and three children, living in Indianapolis. It also states her husband is currently receiving cancer treatment, making Anderson’s unexpected passing a particularly harsh blow to their family.
