A theater professor in Georgia was tragically shot and killed on Monday night by her roommate, who mistakenly thought she was an intruder, according to authorities.
Erica Anderson, 41, an instructor at Columbus State University, was shot at a home in Columbus, as confirmed by Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan.
Anderson had recently joined the theater and dance department at the university, serving as a costume instructor and shop director, as highlighted in a GoFundMe initiated by her family.
She returned home around midnight after visiting her husband and children in Indiana, where she rented a home with an unnamed roommate.
The roommate had been on edge for several days, having received multiple terroristic threats from her son, including threats to harm her and to set fire to the house, Bryan noted.
While asleep, the roommate heard the door open and, thinking it was an intruder, grabbed a gun and moved into the hallway. She fired once, missing Anderson, but then fatally shot her with the second shot, Bryan said.
The situation was quickly identified as an accidental death. “I have to think about the roommate who shot her. I think she’s just as devastated as anyone would be in this situation,” Bryan remarked.
Anderson is survived by her husband, who is battling cancer, and their three children.
Columbus State University President Stuart Layfield expressed his condolences, honoring the significant impact Anderson had during his time at the university and in the theater community.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the students she influenced,” wrote Layfield.
Prior to her position at CSU, Anderson taught similar subjects at Southern Utah University and the University of Florida. She had experience working at various theaters and opera houses across the nation, including Sarasota Opera and Indiana Repertory Theater.
She leaves behind her husband and children, with the fundraising page emphasizing their current difficult circumstances.
