Walmart Employee Fatally Shot in West Virginia Parking Lot

Authorities charge 54-year-old man with first-degree murder in the death of Misty Rose Williams.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a tragic workplace shooting.A single bullet casing left behind after a fatal workplace shooting exposes the grim aftermath of violence in a public space.Nitro Today

A 40-year-old Walmart employee was shot and killed inside her vehicle in the parking lot of a Walmart store in Nitro, West Virginia on Monday morning. The Kanawha County Sheriff's Office has charged 54-year-old Eric Dewayne Richmond with first-degree murder in connection with the incident.

Why it matters

Workplace violence and domestic disputes spilling over into public spaces are ongoing concerns for retailers and communities. This tragic incident highlights the need for improved security measures and support systems to protect employees, especially in high-traffic areas like big-box store parking lots.

The details

According to authorities, Misty Rose Williams was found 'slumped over' inside her vehicle after coworkers went looking for her when she did not return from a break. Police reviewed surveillance footage and identified Richmond, who shares children with Williams, as the suspect. Williams died from a single gunshot wound.

  • The incident occurred on Monday morning in the parking lot of the Nitro Marketplace Walmart.
  • Richmond was arraigned on first-degree murder charges on Monday afternoon at Kanawha County Magistrate Court.

The players

Misty Rose Williams

A 40-year-old Walmart employee who was fatally shot inside her vehicle in the store's parking lot.

Eric Dewayne Richmond

A 54-year-old man who has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Misty Rose Williams, with whom he shares children.

Kanawha County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating the shooting incident and charging the suspect.

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What’s next

The Kanawha County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation into the shooting. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact them at 304-357-0169.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenge of workplace violence and the need for retailers to prioritize employee safety, especially in high-traffic areas like parking lots. It also highlights the importance of addressing domestic disputes before they escalate to deadly violence.