Dollar Tree employee shot dead near store had been in relationship with suspect, police say

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A woman who died after being shot in a Columbus-area shopping center was identified.

Kandi Henderson was shot in the head in the parking lot near the Dollar Tree store where she worked in Gahanna on Sunday afternoon. The 42-year-old woman was rushed to Mount Carmel East Hospital in critical condition, and died a short time later.

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The shooting preceded a standoff between the suspect, 60-year-old Stephan Turner, and SWAT officers at Turner's home on Lindenwald Drive a couple miles away.

"Weird, crazy, shocked," one witness told ABC 6 on Sunday. "This has never happened here."

Turner eventually would surrender peacefully; he's now charged with murder.

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Police have confirmed that Turner and Henderson had been in a relationship.

Rasheda Haile told ABC 6 she had known Henderson since high school. She said they were close friends and her heart broke when she first heard the news of her death.

"I can remember back in the day when I was homeless, she opened up her home to me," Haile said. "I don't understand why this happened to her, I miss her. We were real close and I miss her."

Haile said she knew about Henderson's relationship with Turner, but she wasn't sure if it was still going on or not. She was emotional talking about it.

"I'm sorry sis this has happened, and I love you," she said. "I wish I would have known but I'm sorry I didn't."

Haile said Henderson was sweet and funny and she always had her back as a friend. They called each other sisters. Haile said she is sending Henderson's family strength as they try to get through this tragedy.

"I just want to say to her family, my heart goes out to them as well," Haile said. "I understand the devastation and heartbreak. I'm heartbroken as well."

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A statement from Dollar Tree said it is deeply saddened by the incident and the company is committed to its employees' and customers' safety.

The Morse Road location was closed on Monday in the wake of the tragedy.

Turner is scheduled to be arraigned in court Tuesday.