A spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff's Office has released the identity of a woman shot and killed Monday night. The victim is identified as Natalie Jeanne Little, 42, of Mauriceville.
The woman police say shot and killed Little is identified as Amanda Lee Parker, 40, of Mauriceville. She has been charged with one count of murder and is held in the Orange County jail on a $1 Million bond set by Orange County Precinct One Justice of the Peace Judge David Peck.
A friend of the two women involved told 12News that the shooting was a crime of passion, but investigators have not confirmed the motive.
"We're still investigating the dynamics of the relationship," said Orange County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Clint Hodgkinson.
The friend, who wished to remain anonymous, said there did not appear to be any argument between the two leading up to the shooting.
Deputy Hodgkinson said that detectives believe the incident began around 10 p.m. Monday when Parker went to a home in the 6900 block of Swisher Street in Mauriceville. He said Parker was met in the front yard by Little. A verbal argument ensued and Parker pulled out a handgun and shot Little twice. Parker then chased a female resident who ran to a neighbor's house in the 7800 block of Roger Street.
When Parker went into the home on Roger Street shortly after the female, the residents were able to restrain Parker and take the weapon from her. They called 9-1-1.
Deputies arrived and arrested Parker.
Little was taken to Baptist Hospital in Orange where she was pronounced deceased.
An autopsy has been ordered and the investigation is ongoing.
