Dead Firearm Discharge: Woman Dead Holding a Baby

According to the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD), the fatal shooting occurred just after 2:15 p.m. on December 4. When officers arrived at the complex, they found an adult female suffering from a critical gunshot wound to her abdomen. First responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene and rushed her to a local hospital, but she did not survive.

Detectives with TPD’s Violent Crimes Unit quickly identified the suspect as 22-year-old Anthony Holley Jr., who was in a relationship with the victim.

The investigation revealed a harrowing sequence of events leading to the gunfire. Police allege that Holley was handling an AR-15–style rifle inside the apartment in a "reckless and careless manner." At the time the weapon was discharged, it was pointed directly at the victim, who was holding a small child.

The bullet struck the woman, but the child was miraculously unharmed.

Holley reportedly fled the apartment immediately after the shot was fired. However, the manhunt was short-lived. Within hours, detectives located Holley near the scene and recovered a firearm matching the description of the weapon used in the killing. He was taken into custody without incident.

Holley has been charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a delinquent.

"This arrest is a testament to TPD's ongoing commitment to seeking justice and holding violent offenders accountable," the department stated following the arrest.