Vigil held to remember Harrisburg homicide victim of domestic violence

Patriot-News - 12/30/2021

About 75 people huddled along Boas Street in Harrisburg Thursday night to honor Erika King with a candlelight vigil and balloon launch.

The Harrisburg woman was shot and killed on Dec. 28 during a domestic violence incident, authorities said. District Attorney Fran Chardo said Brian K. MuCullough Jr., 36, has been charged with one count of criminal homicide in the death of King.

“Look out for each other right now. We all we got. This community is what we need,” said Shamika Phillips Brooks, a friend of King’s and a family member.

The vigil honored King, a fun-loving, kind yet quick-tempered mother of two. The gathering was also used as a platform to send a message about domestic violence.

As purple helium balloons launched, family and friends shouted, “Stop domestic violence.”

Brooks said it’s important for women to reach out and for those in the community to understand that mental illness, anxiety and depression is real. Many people, she said, are losing family members to violence.

“It ain’t a snitch no more. It’s called help and concern,” Brooks said.

On the night of Dec. 28, McCullough went inside 1816 Boas St. and started firing around 9:30 p.m., as police were arriving at the scene, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Several bullets hit King while her daughter stood by, the affidavit said. Chardo said King’s daughter called 911.

King was pronounced dead at the scene, court documents said.

McCullough ran out of the home and was taken into custody outside, the affidavit said. Harrisburg police described the homicide as a domestic violence incident and said there was no threat to the public.

King’s first husband, Antjuan King, who attended the vigil, said people like his ex-wife shouldn’t have to experience domestic violence. Those facing it, he said should stay with a family member or find a safe place until they can file a protection from abuse order.

“Turn your back and walk away,” he said.

Earlier, Antijuan King told Pennlive, “Everybody knew” Erika and McCullough’s relationship was toxic. At one point, he said he told her “it was going to end up bad.”

Although Erika broke up with McCullough and kicked him out, she always let him come back, Antjuan King said.

At the vigil he said he wants people to remember Erika as a good woman, who was outspoken, strong and real.

Brooks added she would like to offer more resources and activities for women such as paint n’ sip nights, workshops and retreats to help women. Too many women are facing pressures these days, combined with the fact they are grieving for loved ones, she said.

What’s especially difficult, Brooks said, is when women don’t think they have anyone to reach out to during hard times.

“It’s all right to go and reach out and say something if you are being hurt. I understand the quarantine and the COVID and 2020-21 was the hardest year for us women,” Brooks added.

“It’s all right to go and reach out and say something if you are being hurt,” she said.