NITRO, WEST VIRGINIA — A shocking discovery in a Walmart parking lot has led to a homicide investigation and the arrest of a suspect, leaving the local community shaken. Authorities confirmed that a 40-year-old woman was found dead inside her vehicle Monday morning after coworkers raised concerns when she failed to return from a break.

The victim has been identified as Misty Rose Williams, a Walmart employee working at the Nitro Marketplace location. According to deputies, they were called to the parking lot for a welfare check after coworkers noticed her unusual absence. When officers arrived, they located her inside a parked vehicle but were unable to immediately access it.

Police say they broke a rear window to gain entry into the car. Inside, they found Williams unresponsive and suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. Despite the quick response, she was pronounced dead at the scene, and the case was immediately treated as a homicide.

Investigators quickly began gathering evidence and following leads. Through their investigation, authorities identified 54-year-old Eric Dewayne Richmond as the primary suspect. Officials say Richmond shares children with Williams, suggesting a prior relationship between the two.

Richmond has since been taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder. While officials have not released full details about what led to the shooting, they confirmed that the incident appears to be isolated. Authorities have also stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues to piece together the timeline and circumstances surrounding the deadly incident. Officials say more information may be released as it becomes available, while the community mourns the loss of a worker described by coworkers as deeply missed.