Gainesville, Georgia — Authorities in northeast Georgia are searching for a man accused of fatally shooting his former girlfriend after allegedly ambushing her inside her vehicle and then pursuing her into a convenience store where she had desperately tried to seek help.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office has identified Antwane Sintell Thurmond, 45, as the suspect in the death of 44-year-old Tia Vidon Keith. Investigators have obtained warrants charging him with malice murder, felony murder and domestic violence aggravated assault, but officials say he has not yet been located.
Police Say the Victim Was Attacked After Returning to Her Car
According to investigators, the shooting happened shortly after 9:30 p.m. Thursday at the Subhanallah Food Mart in Gainesville.
Authorities said Keith had entered the convenience store to purchase a few items. When she returned to her vehicle, police believe Thurmond, her former live-in boyfriend, had secretly entered the passenger seat and was waiting for her.
Investigators allege that Thurmond shot Keith multiple times inside the vehicle moments after she got back into the driver’s seat.
Despite her injuries, Keith reportedly managed to escape from the vehicle and ran into the convenience store in an attempt to find help.
Suspect Allegedly Followed Victim Inside Store
According to the sheriff’s office, the violence continued inside the business.
Investigators say Thurmond allegedly chased Keith into the store after she fled from the vehicle.
Surveillance footage described by local reports showed Keith running toward a restroom before collapsing. Authorities allege the suspect caught up with her and fired several additional shots.
Police said Keith died inside the convenience store despite her efforts to escape.
A store employee immediately called 911. Authorities said the clerk and another customer inside the business were not physically injured during the incident.
Search Continues for Murder Suspect
Investigators say Thurmond fled the area in his own vehicle after the shooting.
Since then, deputies have recovered the suspect’s vehicle and searched his Metro Atlanta residence, but he remains at large. Authorities have not publicly disclosed a possible motive for the killing.
The sheriff’s office described Thurmond as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing approximately 212 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Investigators also noted that he has multiple tattoos, including one on his neck reading “ROMANS 12:19,” and wears a prosthetic lower left leg, causing him to walk with a slight limp.
Officials are urging anyone with information about Thurmond’s whereabouts to contact the Hall County Sheriff’s Office or submit anonymous tips to investigators.
Family Remembers Victim’s Kindness
Keith was well known in her community as a hairstylist and business owner who operated her own salon.
Following her death, family members remembered her as someone who cared deeply about others and always brought warmth and positivity to those around her.
Her cousin, Charlotte Sosebee, shared an emotional tribute while encouraging others to remember the life Keith lived rather than the tragedy that ended it.
“Remember her heart, the kind of person that she was. Her sense of humor, that she was a sweet person. She cared about how she looked, she was very glamorous and she would just give to anybody and that she had a family that loved.”
The investigation remains active as authorities continue searching for the suspect.
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