PETERSBURG, Va. -- A Petersburg man was charged with murder, accused of shooting and killing a woman in a parking lot, according to Petersburg Police.
Officers were called to the Henry William Townhomes, along 500 block of S. South Street, at about 2:05 a.m.
"Officers arrived on scene and a female victim was located in the parking lot," Petersburg Police Capt. Emanuel Chambliss wrote in an email.
Police identified the deceased woman as 31-year-old Erica Eldridge.
Kevin Craig, 45, identified as the father to at least one of Eldridge's children, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and several gun crimes.
"This is our second domestic-related homicide of the year," Chambliss said.
One neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said she heard screaming and the gunshot.
She also said she had experience with abusive relationships.
"There is help. You have to report it. You can't stay there because you don't know what's going to happen or when," she said. "Your life and children are more important."
Neighbors said Eldridge was a mother of three.
They said they've heard Eldridge and Craig argue but never anticipate the violence.
"For it to hit this close to home, I'm like thank you Jesus I got away and the system works," the neighbor added. "Let someone know and they'll find you housing and protect you."
If you are a victim of domestic violence, click here for resources from the Virginia Department of Social Services. You can also call the YWCA's Greater Richmond Regional Hotline at 804-612-6126.
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