On August 7, 2021, 28-year-old Khia Riley was fatally shot multiple times at her home on Sprahler Street in Gaston, South Carolina. Reports say she was struck in the right arm, head, and back by rounds fired from a .380 Smith & Wesson handgun; she was unarmed at the time. The shooting happened hours after her birthday celebration.

An off-duty Swansea police officer who lived nearby saw a man fleeing the scene; that man was identified as Khia’s husband, 33-year-old Alonzo James Riley. Investigators say Riley returned while police were at the house and possessed a handgun matching the caliber of shell casings recovered inside. He was arrested and booked on murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime; a magistrate judge denied bond at the initial hearing. Family fundraising material mentioned a later release on bail after four months and house arrest, and the case is reported to be proceeding through the courts.

If anyone knew Khia or has information about what happened that night, please share what you know with investigators.