WCAC

 

Melanie Williams, 30, was charged Monday with assaulting her partner, Zharia Wilcox-Ellis, 24, outside an upscale luxury residence before she was fatally shot on Friday night.

 

During a hearing in Waltham District Court, Williams was ordered held on one count of assault and battery on a household or family member, pending a dangerousness hearing next week. 

Waltham Police responded around 11:30 p.m. on August 2 to a parking lot adjacent to The Wright, a luxury residence at 341 Second Avenue.

 

In court Monday, prosecutor Carrie Spiros said Melanie Williams lives on the fifth floor. 

Surveillance video captured her walking out a side door, then striking Wilcox-Ellis as part of an altercation involving a group of people. 

 

The victim suffered a laceration to her forehead, then walked with the group toward the adjacent parking lot. Wilcox-Ellis was later found there by police, shot to death in the head.

Outside the courthouse, Wilcox-Ellis’ sister said the pair had been romantically involved for 5 to 6 months.

 

Melanie Williams has only been charged with the alleged domestic violence assault. The circumstances of the fatal shooting remain under investigation by the Middlesex District Attorney, State Police and Waltham Police.

Williams is being held until a 58A hearing on August 13. She also has a warrant out of Clinton District Court.

Anyone with information from Friday night is urged to call Waltham Police Detectives at 781-314-3550.