Mom of Three Killed by Roommate Mistaken for Intruder in Georgia
Erica Anderson, a 31-year-old Columbus State University theater professor and mother of three, was shot and killed by her roommate in Georgia. The roommate, who police believe mistakenly thought she was an intruder, fired multiple shots while returning from a visit to her family in Indiana. The shooting remains under investigation, and the Muscogee County Coroner ruled it an accidental death.
Anderson’s roommate had been receiving threats of violence from her son, including warnings of bodily harm and a threat to burn down the house. When the roommate heard a noise while sleeping, she grabbed her pistol and walked into the hallway, firing two shots, one of which was fatal.
Anderson had recently moved to the college town and was a first-year professor at Columbus State University’s College of the Arts, previously teaching at Southern Utah University and the University of Florida. CSU President Stuart Rayfield expressed condolences, noting that Anderson was ‘passionate about her work and her students.’
A GoFundMe page was set up to support her family, who are based in Indianapolis. Her husband, who is currently undergoing cancer treatments, has been deeply affected by the tragedy.
The incident has sparked discussions about personal safety and the use of firearms. While the Coroner has confirmed the shooting was accidental, the emotional toll on Anderson’s family continues to be felt.
The Coroner’s Office will release further details after the autopsy, which is scheduled to take place in the near future.
As the community mourns, the focus remains on the circumstances that led to this tragic event and the emotional impact it has had on those closest to Erica Anderson.