Family reacts to Wilmington woman’s murder

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It has been a tough couple of days for the Catherine Ballard’s family. Especially Ballard’s cousin Chris Howard.

“She’s not coming back. It’s not real. It’s not,” Howard said.

The 24-year-old was shot and killed Saturday afternoon in the Independence Mall parking lot near Ruby Tuesdays. Wilmington Police are searching for Traneta Shanaia Campbell, 19, in connection to Ballard’s death.

“To get that call. Saying that my little cousin was shot. I’m sorry I just, it just hurts man. Hurts a lot,” Howard said.

Howard says it all started over a man.

“Got into an argument at the mall. And went out in the parking lot. From what I hear the girl went to the car and pulled out a gun and shot her five times,” Howard said.

Ballard died at the hospital Saturday afternoon. In a tragic twist, less than 48 hours later, her little sister went into labor and gave birth to a baby girl. Howard says the girl was named Catherine in hopes of her personality living on.

Ballard was an energetic, kind, hardworking person according to Howard and one of Ballard’s neighbors Obeta Hill.

“I would loved to have gotten to know you better. You’re a very nice person. And like I said God bless you and heaven reign upon you,” Hill said.

CFCC’s spokeswoman says Ballard was a full-time student pursuing an Associate of Science degree. Ballard also worked in New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s cafeteria as a Dining Associate.

Howard says he still cannot believe she is gone.

“How can someone have that much hate,” Howard said.

When WWAY asked what Howard would say to his cousin’s killer this was his response:

“There’s so many things I would say. But one thing I would say. I forgive you,” Howard said.

Howard says Ballard’s funeral will be Saturday afternoon at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Riegelwood.