Raleigh police arrest woman for alleged murder of girlfriend

An 18-year-old woman, Shaliah Nikole Battista, has been arrested and charged with murder following the fatal shooting of her girlfriend, 20-year-old Little María Catalina García, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Officers responded to an apartment complex in the 1100 block of Garner Road on Tuesday afternoon. Upon arrival, they found García suffering from a gunshot wound; she was transported to a local hospital where she later died. Battista was arrested at the scene and is currently being held without bond.

The victim's family described the two-year relationship as increasingly abusive and volatile. According to García's sister, Martina Garcia, neighbors had previously witnessed physical altercations between the couple. Court records indicate that Raleigh police had responded to the apartment complex three times since July. Following the shooting, Battista reportedly contacted García's brother, stating, ‘I’m sorry I had to do it.’