A tragic incident unfolded in Columbus, Georgia, where a mother of three was fatally shot by her roommate, who allegedly believed she was an intruder. The victim, 31-year-old Erica Anderson, was returning from a family visit in Indiana when the shooting occurred.

The Columbus Police Department confirmed to Fox News Digital that Anderson, whose husband is currently battling cancer, was mistakenly identified as an intruder by her roommate upon her return to their shared accommodation on October 13.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities have stated that no additional information will be provided at this time.

Erica Anderson was a professor at Columbus State University. The incident took place around midnight on Monday, according to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan.

Reports indicate that Anderson’s roommate had been living under considerable stress, receiving threats from her son. These threats included potential physical violence and intentions to set the house on fire, as reported by WTVM.

When the roommate heard a noise while sleeping, she grabbed her pistol and walked into the hallway, “She fired one shot and then fired another one and hit her roommate,” he said.

Bryan told the local outlet that he is ruling the shooting as an accidental death. Anderson’s body will be sent to the state crime lab for an autopsy, he said. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Muscogee County Coroner’s Office for additional details.

“You have to think about the roommate that shot her. I’m sure she’s devastated as anyone would be under the circumstances,” he said.

Erica Anderson was a lecturer at Columbus State University, the school said. (Columbus State University)

Anderson had recently moved to the college town and was a first-year professor at Columbus State University’s College of the Arts and was a lecturer in the Theater and Dance Department.

Prior to her role at Columbus State University, Anderson taught at Southern Utah University and the University of Florida. 

“Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends, as well as the students she impacted,” said CSU President Stuart Rayfield in a statement.

Erica and Andy Anderson had three children. According to a GoFundMe set up for the family, Andy was undergoing cancer treatment. (GoFundMe)

Anderson was “passionate about her work and her students,” a GoFundMe page in support of her family stated.

She is survived by her three children and husband, who are based in Indianapolis, according to the GoFundMe page, which said her husband “is currently undergoing cancer treatments, which makes this loss even more devastating for their family.”