Albany, GA – A horrifying incident on the 900 block of Holloway Avenue has left 33-year-old Chelsea Milledge dead after she was fatally shot during a home invasion. Authorities have arrested and charged 21-year-old Eugene Barber with Murder, Home Invasion in the First Degree, and Possession of a Firearm During Certain Crimes.
The tragic shooting occurred late Wednesday night, leaving the Albany community in shock and mourning. Albany Police Department officials confirmed that several young children were present in the home at the time of the attack but were thankfully unharmed.
Incident Overview
According to police reports, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Holloway Avenue following a 911 call about a shooting. Upon arrival, they found Chelsea Milledge suffering from a critical gunshot wound. Witnesses at the scene described the chaos and terror that unfolded as the suspect forcibly entered the home and opened fire.
Milledge was immediately rushed to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery. Despite their best efforts, she succumbed to her injuries early Thursday morning.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Eugene Barber, who was apprehended shortly after the incident. Barber faces a list of serious charges, including:
- Murder
- Home Invasion in the First Degree
- Possession of a Firearm During Certain Crimes
Investigators revealed that Barber knew Milledge but have not disclosed the exact nature of their relationship or the motive behind the shooting. Detective Marcus Lane, lead investigator on the case, stated:
“This was a deliberate and violent act. We believe there was some level of premeditation, and we are working to piece together all the details.”
Children Witness the Horror
One of the most distressing aspects of the tragedy is that several children were inside the home during the incident. According to police, the children, ranging in age from 2 to 10 years old, were found unharmed but deeply shaken.
Neighbor Trina Harris, who lives a few houses down, shared:
“I heard screaming and saw the kids running out after the police arrived. My heart breaks for those babies. They didn’t deserve to see this.”
Child Protective Services (CPS) has stepped in to provide support for the children while relatives and authorities ensure their safety.
A Life Cut Short
Friends and family of Chelsea Milledge describe her as a loving mother, a devoted friend, and a vibrant part of the Albany community. She was known for her warm smile and her ability to bring people together.
Tamara Green, a close friend of Milledge, shared:
“Chelsea had a heart of gold. She loved her kids more than anything and always worked hard to give them the best life possible. I can’t believe she’s gone.”
Albany Community Reacts
The shooting has left the Albany community in shock, with many calling for justice for Chelsea and her family. Community leaders and activists are also raising concerns about the rise in gun violence and the need for stronger preventative measures.
Mayor Bo Dorough addressed the tragedy in a public statement:
“Our hearts are with the family of Chelsea Milledge as they navigate this unimaginable loss. This senseless act of violence is a stark reminder of the challenges our community faces, and we must come together to find solutions.”
A Call for Justice
The Albany Police Department is urging anyone with additional information about the case to come forward. Authorities are also looking into Barber’s background to determine if he has prior criminal activity or any history of violence.
Police Chief Michael Persley emphasized the importance of community cooperation:
“This tragedy underscores the need for vigilance and communication. If anyone has information about Eugene Barber or the events leading up to this incident, please contact us immediately. Justice for Chelsea and her children is our top priority.”
Community Support and Memorial Efforts
Friends and family have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and provide support for Milledge’s children. The campaign has already garnered widespread attention, with heartfelt messages pouring in from across the region.
A candlelight vigil to honor Chelsea’s memory is planned for Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Albany Central Park. Organizers are encouraging attendees to wear purple, Chelsea’s favorite color, and bring flowers or candles as a tribute.
Ongoing Investigation
As detectives continue their investigation, key areas of focus include:
- Determining the motive behind the shooting.
- Tracing the firearm used in the crime.
- Interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from the area.
A Community United in Grief
The tragic death of Chelsea Milledge has left an indelible mark on the Albany community. While her life was cut short in a senseless act of violence, her memory lives on through the love of her children, family, and friends.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains steadfast in its call for justice and its commitment to supporting Milledge’s children during this difficult time. Further updates will be shared as new information becomes available.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Milledge family and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
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