Family of theater professor who was fatally shot at Georgia residence speaks out: 'Senseless loss'

[ad_1] Household and buddies of a Georgia theater professor who was fatally shot this week mentioned they're in shock and looking for solutions over the "mindless loss" of the mom of three, described by family members as a artistic artist and vibrant mild.

Erica Anderson, 41, was shot and killed early Monday at a residence in Columbus, a spokesperson for the Columbus Police Division confirmed to ABC Information. The taking pictures stays underneath investigation and police should not releasing any additional particulars at the moment, the spokesperson mentioned.

Erica Anderson is seen in an undated picture.

Courtesty of the Anderson household

Anderson had began a brand new job this fall as a professor at Columbus State College, the place she was a lecturer in costume within the college's Division of Theatre & Dance. She had simply returned to Columbus after visiting her household, who stay in Indianapolis, and to assist her husband, Andy, recuperate following surgical procedure for prostate most cancers when she was killed, buddies mentioned.

"We're devastated and heartbroken past phrases by the tragic and mindless lack of our beloved spouse and mom, Erica Anderson," her household mentioned in an announcement on Wednesday. "Our household remains to be in shock as we attempt to comprehend how one thing so horrific might occur."

Anderson leaves behind two boys, ages 9 and 10, she had along with her husband, in addition to a 16-year-old daughter, her buddies mentioned. She was "taken from us far too quickly at solely 41 years previous in an act of violence that by no means ought to have occurred," her household mentioned.

"She was a rare girl whose love, creativity, and lightweight crammed each room she entered," her household mentioned. "Her kids have misplaced their mom far too early, and we're struggling to think about a world with out her love, steerage, and devotion."

The Andersons' neighbors in Indianapolis mentioned they have been surprised to be taught of her loss of life and have unanswered questions amid the continuing police investigation. Although one neighbor, Ben James, advised ABC Information that the response has been, "This did not must occur, this was avoidable."

His spouse, Betsy James, mentioned the neighborhood has been rallying to assist the household, particularly as Anderson's husband is battling most cancers.

"I believe you go from shock and grief to logistical mode -- how will we now simply assist with all of the little selections that should be made," she advised ABC Information.

John "Andy" Anderson and Erica Anderson are seen in an undated picture.

Courtesty of the Anderson household

Neighbors have organized meal trains and helped arrange a GoFundMe to assist the household, which has to date raised over $16,000.

"I am actually speechless and overwhelmed and I really feel like my religion in humanity has been restored by the kindness and the generosity of those that really feel compelled to assist the household in any means, form or trend," Keri Dattilo, one other neighbor of the Andersons, advised ABC Information.

Dattilo remembered Anderson as a "lovely spirit" with a "vibrant mild."

"She was form. She was a very good pal. She was a very good mother. And she or he was extremely artistic," she mentioned. "She had this present for the humanities."

Anderson would run artwork camps for the kids within the neighborhood, sew stuffed animals for her children and "simply used her creativity to assist unfold pleasure and love," Betsy James mentioned.

Previous to becoming a member of Columbus State, Anderson taught costumes at Southern Utah College and the College of Florida and had labored in theaters and opera homes throughout the nation, together with the Sarasota Opera and Indiana Repertory Theatre, in accordance with the college.

It was a "robust selection" however she took the job in Columbus as a result of it appeared like a very good alternative for her and her household, Dattilo mentioned. A number of neighbors gathered along with her whereas she was on the town this previous weekend and have been planning after they would see her subsequent, Dattilo mentioned.

"We laughed a lot and simply had the very best time," Betsy James mentioned. "We have been all actually glad that we had these very nice final moments along with her."

Dattilo mentioned she hopes investigators are in a position to present solutions for the household "in order that they've peace of their coronary heart finally."

"She had a lot extra to provide to her household, to her buddies, to her college students, and to the theater neighborhood she cared for therefore deeply," her household mentioned of their assertion. "Our hearts are shattered figuring out her life was minimize quick when she had a lot extra to supply the world."