Family and friends are grieving the loss of 23-year-old Selena Dukes who was killed while trying to protect a friend during a domestic dispute over Mother’s Day weekend in Georgia.

On Wednesday, FOX 5 News reported that police were still searching for the man who shot Dukes while they were at an apartment complex in South Fulton County. 

The young woman was with her friend, picking up the acquaintance’s baby from its dad, Diante Gore, when the parents got into an argument. Dukes attempted to diffuse the confrontation when she was fatally shot. 

The 33-year-old father grabbed a gun and shot Dukes in the back before fleeing the scene, police say.

He is expected to be charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. 

A saddened community member, who said she is a survivor of domestic violence, reiterated the importance of healthy communication.

“There’s definitely a better way to solve problems. Communication is key in any situation. Again I have been a victim of domestic violence and when you are passionate about something when you have that passion you have got to step away,” resident Camille Watts suggested.

Police are actively searching for the suspect and have ramped up their efforts.

Dukes leaves to cherish her family and a preschool-age daughter, People reported. 

“She was loved by a lot of people,” her cousin Shaneka Newton said. “Sweet, nice, a very bubbly person.” 

The family said they are distraught just two years after Duke’s 9-month-old child was allegedly killed by its own father on Father’s Day weekend in 2019.

The mom’s loved ones gathered for a candlelight vigil at a park in Smyrna. They held purple and white balloons as they celebrated her life. 

They also pleaded with the suspect to turn himself in. 

“We know who you are, police know who you are, please come forward and turn yourself in, it was a senseless killing,” Newton said.