A Virginia woman has been sentenced to nearly three decades in prison for the 2024 shooting death of a fellow Navy sailor who stepped in to help during a domestic argument.
Nildaliz Flores-Roman, 27, was sentenced last week to 28 years behind bars after being convicted of second-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. The victim, 28-year-old Petty Officer First Class Katrina Ann Anderson, served on the USS Mahan in Norfolk, Virginia.
According to the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney, the events unfolded on March 15, 2024. That night, Anderson had been out with Flores-Roman’s wife and friends celebrating her birthday. Flores-Roman was out separately, but both groups ended up at the same downtown Norfolk location.
Just after 2 a.m., Flores-Roman, her wife, and Anderson returned to Flores-Roman’s apartment. In the parking lot, Flores-Roman and her wife began arguing. When Flores-Roman grabbed her wife’s arm to pull her inside, Anderson stepped in to help, and the two women began fighting.
The fight eventually stopped, and all three went inside. But prosecutors say Flores-Roman was still agitated. She retrieved a handgun from her bedroom. As Anderson tried to run for the door, Flores-Roman’s wife yelled for her to escape. Flores-Roman then opened fire, hitting Anderson multiple times, including once in the chest.
Anderson collapsed on the sidewalk just outside the apartment. Prosecutors say Flores-Roman struck her once on the head with the gun before tossing it aside and walking away. Anderson died shortly after medics and police arrived. Flores-Roman was arrested at the scene.
Flores-Roman’s wife later told investigators that their marriage had been emotionally abusive and that Anderson had previously offered her support.
At her June trial, Flores-Roman pleaded not guilty. Jurors deliberated for just 20 minutes before finding her guilty.
“Katrina Anderson was a Good Samaritan trying to help a fellow sailor. She did not deserve to die,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “Most people who commit murder offer some kind of remorse. Had Ms. Flores-Roman showed any sign of being sorry for killing her, we would have recommended less time than we did. I mourn Ms. Anderson and extend my condolences to her family.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for free, confidential support 24/7.
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