A Georgia resident faces a lifetime behind bars after fatally shooting his wife, tragically just a day before her birthday and the opening of her newly revamped barbershop.

Volanta Lejuan Walker, 51, confessed to the malicious murder of 56-year-old Sabrina Walker in October, in Douglasville, a town located about 20 miles west of Atlanta. In addition, he admitted to two counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer, illegal possession of a firearm as a felon, and using a gun during the commission of a felony.

Judge Deah Warren handed Volanta Walker a life sentence plus an additional 25 years, as reported by the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office.

“Society often overlooks the profound effects of domestic violence on victims and their families, frequently downplaying the threat based on whether a victim chooses to leave or remain with their abuser,” stated District Attorney Dalia Racine. “Domestic violence calls present some of the most perilous situations for law enforcement. We mourn the loss of a cherished life as she attempted to escape her abuser. Nonetheless, he can never erase her lasting influence on her family and our community. We hope this prompt resolution aids her family in their journey toward healing.”

According to a previous report by Law&Crime, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation revealed in a press release that the couple had been engaged in an argument at their residence on October 4 when Sabrina Walker fled outside. Her husband pursued her and fatally shot her.

He remained armed after Douglasville police officers responded around 9:30 p.m. to the home on Littlebrook Way and saw Sabrina Walker lying on the ground, cops said. Police ordered him to drop the gun, but he allegedly pointed it at them. An officer shot him, per the press release. Paramedics rushed Volanta Walker to the hospital for treatment. They pronounced Sabrina Walker dead at the scene.

Sabrina Walker was slated to celebrate her 57th birthday on Oct. 5 as well as open her updated barbershop, Groomsmen Atlanta, her family told local Fox affiliate WAGA. Despite the tragedy, her family held the grand opening in her honor. She owned the barbershop since 2009 but recently remodeled and expanded the business.

“It feels like somebody is missing,” her daughter Anesha Nixon told the TV station. “It really feels like her presence needs to be here — her [being] bubbly, her running around talking to people. It doesn’t feel right. It feels like she needs to be here.”

Another daughter, Michaella Barnswell, said opening the barbershop is what her mother would have wanted.

“My mama put her blood, sweat and tears into this business, and we’re going to outlive her legacy,” she said.