Navy Sailor Shot Dead While ‘Trying to Help a Fellow Sailor’ During Domestic Dispute After Her 28th Birthday, Prosecutors Say
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA — A 27-year-old woman has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for shooting and killing a U.S. Navy sailor who stepped in to break up a fight between the suspect and her wife following a night of birthday celebrations, authorities said.
The convicted shooter, Nildaliz Arline Flores-Roman, was found guilty of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony for the killing of Pfc. Katrina Ann Anderson, 28, according to the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
Birthday Celebration Turns Deadly
Prosecutors said the tragedy unfolded on March 15, 2024, when Anderson — who was celebrating her 28th birthday — spent the evening out with friends, including Flores-Roman’s wife. Both women were Navy sailors stationed on the USS Mahan in Norfolk.
Flores-Roman, who was out separately that night, ended up at the same location as her wife and Anderson toward the end of the evening. The three later went back to Flores-Roman’s apartment on East Little Creek Road, where tensions quickly escalated.
Argument Escalates to Murder
According to prosecutors, Flores-Roman and her wife began arguing in the apartment parking lot. Anderson tried to intervene and calm the situation, successfully separating the pair and leading everyone inside the apartment.
But the confrontation didn’t end there. Authorities say Flores-Roman went to her bedroom, retrieved a handgun, and returned to the living room.
“Her wife yelled at Anderson to ‘run,’ and as the victim reached the door, Flores-Roman fired multiple shots,” prosecutors said.
One bullet struck Anderson in the chest, fatally wounding her.
“As Ms. Anderson lay dying on the sidewalk outside the apartment, Ms. Flores-Roman struck her once in the head with the gun before tossing it and walking away,” the prosecutor’s statement continued.
‘She Did Not Deserve to Die’
Paramedics pronounced Anderson dead at the scene. Police arrested Flores-Roman soon after the shooting.
Investigators later learned that the couple’s marriage was “emotionally abusive”, according to Flores-Roman’s wife, who said Anderson had been offering support and guidance to her as a friend and fellow sailor.
During Flores-Roman’s trial, jurors deliberated for just 20 minutes before returning a guilty verdict.
“Ms. Anderson was a Good Samaritan trying to help a fellow sailor. She did not deserve to die,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi said. “Had Ms. Flores-Roman shown any remorse for killing her, we would have recommended less time than we did.”
28-Year Sentence Handed Down
Flores-Roman was sentenced Friday to 28 years in prison, the maximum recommended term. Prosecutors said her lack of remorse and the senselessness of the crime influenced the sentence.
“Most people who commit murder offer some kind of remorse,” Fatehi said. “Ms. Flores-Roman showed none.”
Anderson’s family, friends, and fellow sailors described her as a dedicated service member and kind-hearted mentor who often stepped in to help others.
“She was doing what she always did — trying to help,” one shipmate said. “And it cost her everything.”
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