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…