Mugshot of Shaliah Nikole Battista, 18, who was arrested and charged with murder in the fatal shooting of her girlfriend, Littlemaria Catalina Garcia in Raleigh.

Raleigh Woman, 20, Dies After Shooting; 18-Year-Old Girlfriend Charged With Murder

Police say the suspect remained at the scene following the shooting on Garner Road. Investigators confirmed the two women were in a dating relationship.
 

RALEIGH, NC — An 18-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with murder following a shooting that claimed the life of her 20-year-old girlfriend Tuesday afternoon in Raleigh.

According to police, officers responded to 1107 Garner Road at approximately 3:13 p.m. on October 27, 2026, after receiving a report of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they discovered Littlemaria Catalina Garcia, 20, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Garcia was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, but later died.

Suspect Arrested at Scene

Battista

Police identified the suspect as Shaliah Nikole Battista, 18, who remained at the scene following the shooting.

Battista was taken into custody and charged with murder.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Garcia and Battista were involved in a dating relationship at the time of the incident.

Authorities have not released information about what led to the shooting or whether an argument preceded the incident.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The Raleigh Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Garcia’s death.

Police have not announced a motive or released additional details about the events leading up to the shooting.

Battista has been charged but is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.