In the early morning hours of March 16, 2024, a celebration of life turned into a scene of tragedy in Norfolk, Virginia, resulting in the death of 28-year-old Katrina Ann Anderson, a Petty Officer First Class in the U.S. Navy. Anderson, a White female, had been out with friends celebrating her birthday. The group included Nildaliz A. Flores-Roman and her wife, who were also fellow sailors. The night took a fatal turn when they returned to Flores-Roman's apartment in the 1700 block of East Little Creek Road. An argument erupted between Flores-Roman and her wife in the parking lot.
Witnessing the escalating dispute, Anderson attempted to intervene as Flores-Roman tried to force her wife into their apartment. The altercation briefly subsided as the three women went inside, but the conflict was far from over. Flores-Roman, still agitated, retrieved a handgun from her bedroom. As Anderson tried to flee the apartment, Flores-Roman's wife screamed for her to run. Tragically, Flores-Roman shot Anderson in the back and chest. Anderson collapsed on the sidewalk just outside the apartment. In a final act of violence, Flores-Roman struck Anderson on the head with the gun. A call to 911 was made by Flores-Roman's wife, but by the time police and medics arrived, it was too late. Katrina Ann Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene from a life-threatening gunshot wound.
The Norfolk Police responded to the report of a gunshot victim at approximately 2:25 a.m. and arrested 25-year-old Nildaliz A. Flores-Roman at the scene without incident. She was subsequently charged with second-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Flores-Roman was held in the Norfolk City Jail without bond. During the investigation, it came to light that Anderson had been trying to help Flores-Roman's wife, who was reportedly in an emotionally abusive relationship.
Nildaliz Flores-Roman pleaded not guilty and her case went to a jury trial. After two days of evidence, the jury deliberated for a mere 20 minutes before returning a guilty verdict on June 17, 2025. Flores-Roman was later sentenced to 28 years in prison for the murder of Katrina Ann Anderson. Following her death, memorial services for Anderson, who was stationed aboard the USS Mahan were held in California, with a graveside service at Bakersfield National Cemetery.
