COLUMBUS, Ohio — Friends and loved ones are remembering 42-year-old Kandi Henderson, the woman who died after she was shot outside of a store in the New Albany Square shopping center on Sunday.
“She was just a very sweet person, she's funny, she just likes to hang out,” said her long time friend Rasheda Haile.
Haile said the two met while in high school.
She described Henderson as a sister at times.
“She was one that always had my back she wouldn't allow anybody to mess with me or talk about me. She opened her home up to me years ago when I was homeless."
RELATED: Columbus police ID woman killed in shopping center shooting; 60-year-old man arrested after standoff
The Columbus Division of Police named 60-year-old Stephan Turner a suspect in the fatal shooting. Officers were able to find Turner hiding inside a home, and after a nearly two hour standoff, Turner was taken into custody.
Details on what led to the shooting were not provided, but police told 10TV that Henderson and the alleged gunman, Turner, had a previous romantic relationship.
Columbus police's Homicide Unit is investigating this as a domestic violence-related death.
“It just had me in tears...that she was shot and killed,” said Haile.
So far this year in Columbus, there have been 23 domestic violence related deaths, whereas in 2022, there were only seven the entire year.
Lillian Howard with LSS CHOICES said they are seeing a rise in domestic violence related cases, and their shelter has been at or over capacity for several months.
Howard said it’s important that people spread the word of resources that are out there, because a door is always open.
“We have staff that are available at that hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year so there is always someone there to provide support. A listening ear, domestic violence education, safety planning and resources to anyone that calls our hotline,” said Howard.
Haile urges anyone in a violent situation to seek help.
“If you're in a domestic violence situation please leave if you can, if you have to call the police,” said Haile.