Misty Rose Williams, a 40-year-old Walmart worker, was shot and killed in the parking lot of the Nitro Marketplace Walmart by Eric Richmond, her 54-year-old on-again/off-again boyfriend and father of her children. Richmond fled the scene but was quickly identified and arrested based on surveillance footage and other evidence. A 9mm handgun was found at Richmond's residence. Richmond is held without bail and charged with first-degree murder. The investigation remains active.
Country: United States
State/Province: West Virginia, United States
City/Region: Nitro
Incident Type: Domestic Violence Homicide
Relationship Status: Dating
Relationship Duration:
Incident Date: April 13, 2026
Relationship Origins:
Relationship Stages:
Contributing Factors:
Red Flags:
Motives:
Relationship Outcomes:
How the relationship or connection began.
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
2026-04-13
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Original language: English
Criminal complaint sheds more light on Walmart parking lot murder - WV MetroNews
Domestic Violence
The case involves an on-again/off-again romantic relationship marked by domestic conflict and jealousy, culminating in a fatal shooting. The suspect's access to a firearm and the rapid escalation to violence are consistent with domestic violence homicide patterns. The relationship's instability and shared children add complexity to the dynamics.
Police quickly identified and arrested Eric Richmond based on surveillance footage and interviews. Richmond was charged with first-degree murder and is held without bail. A 9mm handgun was recovered from his residence. The investigation remains active with no reported custody or divorce proceedings at this time.
No significant confusion reported; suspect identification and evidence were clear and timely.
Williams was on break at her workplace when Richmond entered the Walmart and then confronted her in the parking lot. Surveillance footage shows Richmond getting in and out of the victim's car multiple times before the shooting. The victim was found slumped over in her car with a gunshot wound to the chest. Richmond fled but was quickly apprehended. Evidence includes surveillance video and the recovered handgun.
High risk due to prior relationship instability, firearm access, and rapid escalation to lethal violence.
On-again/off-again relationships with shared children can escalate to lethal violence, especially when firearms are accessible. Rapid police response and surveillance footage were critical in suspect identification. Early intervention in domestic conflicts may prevent fatal outcomes.
The on-again/off-again relationship and prior police knowledge of Richmond were key early signals.
Surveillance footage showing Richmond's movements and the victim's car behavior helped connect the case.
Video surveillance and the recovered 9mm handgun were the strongest evidence types.
Coworkers found the victim slumped over in her car after she failed to return from break. Police statements provided investigative details. No other witness statements reported.
No follow-up reports available beyond initial arrest and charges.
Exact motive details and relationship duration remain unclear; ongoing investigation may clarify.