APEX, N.C. – Tragedy struck on Monday morning in Apex when a woman was fatally shot while at work. The victim, identified as 30-year-old Felicia Barbee-Battle, was an employee at Molly Maid, a housecleaning service located in a local shopping center. The devastating incident left the community in shock, with Molly Maid coworkers in tears upon learning of her passing.
According to the Apex Police Department, the suspect, believed to be the victim’s ex-boyfriend Tevin Montrell Leach, entered the workplace and asked Barbee-Battle to step outside before gunfire erupted. The authorities have since issued a first-degree murder warrant for Leach’s arrest. The incident highlights the pervasive issue of domestic violence, underscoring the unpredictable nature of such crimes regardless of the setting.
Law enforcement officials, led by Police Chief Jason Armstrong, underscored the universal risk of violence posed by domestic disputes, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and awareness in addressing such issues within communities. The scene of the shooting was extensively cordoned off by crime scene tape, focusing on the rear area of the shopping center near popular amenities like TJ Maxx and Kirkland’s, as well as a nearby residential neighborhood trail.
The victim, who was shot multiple times, succumbed to her injuries despite efforts to save her at a nearby hospital. The identity of the victim has not been officially disclosed as the investigation continues to unfold. The presence of crime scene tape delineating multiple locations within the vicinity underscores the severity of the incident and the thoroughness of the law enforcement response. The community mourns the loss of Barbee-Battle, a hardworking individual whose life was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence.
As authorities work diligently to apprehend the suspect and bring justice to the victim and her loved ones, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence on individuals and communities. The Apex community stands united in support of the victim’s family and friends, determined to seek solace and healing in the face of this heartbreaking loss.