Police say on April 18, two groups of customers were arguing over who was next in line at a checkout counter of Ross Dress for Less on Poyner Anchor Lane. Authorities say a group that included 39-year-old Kimberly Laverne Arnold, of Powder Springs, Ga., left the store. A short time later, a group that included 52-year-old Gina Boone Loeh, of Smithfield, left the store.
Police say both groups had a second encounter as Arnold was backing out of a parking space. After words were exchanged, investigators say Arnold got out of the car and shoved Loeh, causing her to fall backward.
On the 911 call after the altercation, Loeh's daughter, Stephanie, could be heard expressing concern about her mother's injuries.
"My mother's bleeding from her head," she said.
Arnold was arrested and taken to the Wake County Jail charged with assault with serious injury. She was later released on bond.
Authorities say Loeh suffered a head injury and was taken to WakeMed. Over the next couple of days, police said, Loeh's condition deteriorated and she died April 25.
On April 26, an autopsy determined Loeh's death was a homicide. Raleigh police contacted Arnold, who returned to Raleigh Friday afternoon. She was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
Ralph Rose lived right across the street from Loeh. Rose and other friends say she struggled with diabetes-related blindness and other health problems. Her health makes it hard for them to believe her life ended in an argument outside a department store.
"She was just a nice person," said Rose.
A Ross Clothing Store spokesperson says nothing inside the store prompted employees to think anything violent would occur. Arnold is in the Wake County Jail without bond. Her first court appearance is scheduled for Monday.
The Raleigh Police Department is asking anyone who witnessed the dispute to call
(919) 890-3555
.
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
