Crime

Woman charged with assaulting victim ahead of fatal shooting in Waltham

Authorities name Melanie Williams, 30, responsible for the shooting in Waltham on Friday night.

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By Eva Levin

Authorities arrested and charged a woman with assault in a case tied to a fatal shooting in Waltham that happened last week.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Waltham Chief of Police Kevin O’Connell said on Monday that Melanie Williams has been charged with assault and battery on a household or family member.

Waltham police responded to an apartment complex on Second Avenue on Friday, where they found Zharia Wilcox-Ellis, 24, of Waltham, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, according to the DA. She was pronounced dead at the scene. 

“The preliminary investigation indicates that shortly before the shooting there was an altercation involving a group of people outside the apartment building where the defendant resides and the victim was known to visit,” a statement from Ryan’s office said. “Video surveillance of the incident, obtained as a result of the ongoing investigation, allegedly shows Melanie Williams striking the victim.”

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Williams, 30, faced charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault on a family member in two separate cases earlier this year. In both cases, the charges were dismissed.

The investigation into the shooting is active. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact Waltham Police at 781-314-3550.