BUFFALO, N.Y. — A woman shot in broad daylight on Buffalo's west side Friday morning has died.
Buffalo Police on Saturday identified the woman as 23-year-old Lekeeta Holloman of Buffalo.
The call came in for the area of Prospect and Maryland just after 8:30 a.m.
Holloman was rushed to Erie County Medical Center, where she later died of her injuries. Police say it's believed the incident is the result of a domestic situation.
The suspect remains at large.
Anyone with information is asked to call or text the Confidential TIPCALL Line at (716) 847-2255.
Ava Thompson is a domestic violence advocate with the Family Justice Center of Erie County.
She says the number of domestic violence-related homicides this year is alarming.
"Anybody that's dealing with domestic violence, all of the agencies, the district attorney's office, are all very well aware of this increased number and we're sort of in a crisis mode now. We need to get the word out there that we are here. There are services here. Just come to us," Thompson said.
Just last month, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn commented on the spike. He said by late October there were already 10 in Erie County.
Experts tell 2 On Your Side there could be a lot of reasons for the increase.
"Abusers, it's all about power and control and they will do anything to maintain that power and control," Thompson said.
Warning signs include extreme jealousy, possessiveness, outbursts of anger and stalking.
Advocates know seeking help is not always easy and they say their goal is keeping those who come forward safe.
Thompson told 2 on Your Side, "When you have fear working into it, you move differently, you speak differently, you make your choices differently. It takes seven or eight attempts for someone to leave an abusive relationship and we will see you seven, eight, nine, 10 times. It doesn't matter."
People dealing with domestic violence can also contact Crisis Services.
