Police say Cherquito McDonald died from her injuries at the hospital. According to authorities, she was shot 4-5 times.
McDonald had just gotten off work at Burlington Industries in Raeford and was walking to her car when she was shot.
According to witnesses, the she was having a conversation with her ex-boyfriend, Jonathon Dion Melvin, when he shot her multiple times and then fled the scene.
"He approached her. He wanted to speak to her. They walked a little," Raeford Police Chief Mike Dummett said. "Different witnesses there were several witnesses that witnessed the whole thing take place. He shot her several times she fell there, he fled in a vehicle."
Police say Melvin ditched his car behind a nearby convenience store and ran into the woods. Officers and tracking dogs searching the area, as family and friends gathered to watch.
During the search, police got tip that Melvin had made it to Fayetteville. He was arrested there --as to how he got there and who he was staying is police thats a part of their investigation.
Shaking his head and saying "I'm hurting," was the only thing Melvin said as he was taken into the Raeford Police Department. Raeford police have charged Melvin with first degree murder.
Family members say he and Mcdonald were together for about 12 years, but that she had broken up with him and was moving on with her life.
The victim's brother, Kendrick McDonald said he was supposed to pick his sister up at the plant but did not.
"I seen the test messages don't pick me up so I assumed she was going to be riding with him. Even though they go through their problems, they always get back together again," he said.
Relatives say she worked two jobs and was going to school, dreaming of a better life.
"She was a good person, she worked hard, she tried to provide for her kids. She didn't deserve this at all," Kendrick said.
