Woman killed in Lakewood home invasion robbery

LAKEWOOD, Wash. — Lakewood police are looking for two men after a home invasion robbery left a woman dead.

Police arrived the Union Crest apartment complex after 1 a.m. Tuesday when the father of the victim called 911.

According to the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office, 36-year-old Melissa Williams was found inside shot to death. Neighbors describe Williams as friendly and affectionate.

“She always had candy for the kids and stuff like that. She was nice,” said Katrina Phillips-Thayer, who lives in the apartment next door.

Another neighbor who didn’t want to give his name said, “Everybody talked to her. She hugged everybody.”

Williams father told police minutes before the homicide two men burst into the apartment. One of the men went into a room with the father when he heard a gunshot in the another room, according to Lakewood police. The two left with several items, including a laptop computer and cellphone.

Neighbors said Williams’ death has left them stunned and frightened.

“Creeped out now. Creeped out, scared and I want to move,” said William, who only gave his first name.

“It’s scary,” said Phillips-Thayer. “You know, I have three kids. Bullets could have ricocheted or whatever. And the walls are thin.”

Watch raw video from the scene below.

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