Pregnant Woman Fatally Shot At Gas Station And Her Ex-Boyfriend Has Been Arrested
Tamara Cornelius, 31, was shot and killed while pumping gas at an Exxon gas station in Upper Merion Township, Pa., which is approximately 15 miles outside of Philadelphia. Cornelius was pregnant and her ex-boyfriend is now a suspect.
According to a news release, the shooting occurred on April 8 at 10:22 p.m. After reports of gunshots, Cornelius was found by police in the gas station parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the hospital at 11:09 p.m.
Police claim Cornelius briefly spoke to her ex-boyfriend Rafiq Thompson, 38, over the phone at 9:11 p.m before having dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. After leaving the restaurant, Cornelius went to the gas station.
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, surveillance footage showed the two arguing at the Exxon station before Cornelius was fatally shot while pumping gas. Video showed she tried to run but Thompson continued to shoot.
Her aunt, Lisa Cornelius, said Tamara was happy and a new relationship with her current boyfriend, the father of the child she was carrying.
“Tamara was a beautiful person with a heart of gold,” she said. “We can’t understand why she’s gone. She had so much going for herself.”
The outlet reports Thompson has been arrested and charged with first- and third-degree murder, firearms violations, and related offenses. He is expected to be charged with the death of the unborn child.
Tamara Cornelius was four months pregnant and a mother of three.
