Authorities in Memphis have brought a first-degree murder charge against a 29-year-old woman who allegedly killed a man she mistook for her ex-boyfriend. According to PEOPLE, the Memphis Police Department in an affidavit of complaint stated that Kiauna Newsom committed the murder with a male accomplice identified as Justin Howard, 32.
Howard also faces a first-degree murder charge. Authorities said the fatal March 2 incident occurred while the victim George Harris was inside a car belonging to Newsom’s ex-boyfriend. Harris was shot multiple times.
In the wake of the fatal incident, Newsom’s ex-boyfriend informed authorities that he and Harris were roommates. He also said he believed the suspects had intended to kill him as he and Newsom had gotten into an argument before the shooting, the affidavit stated.
Newsom, following her arrest, informed authorities that she pursued her ex-boyfriend’s car together with Howard. She added that Howard subsequently opened fire on the vehicle after they stopped by it.
Newsom later identified Howard as her accomplice in a police lineup, leading to his arrest. Both suspects are currently in custody in Shelby County jails.
