HICKORY, North Carolina – Tangela Parker, 52, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of her coworker, 52-year-old Phelifia Michelle Marlow. The plea was entered during a hearing at Catawba County Superior Court on Thursday.

The incident took place at a furniture plant in Hickory. Marlow’s daughter, Mak Marlow, delivered a powerful victim impact statement during the hearing. Details of the shooting were not provided in the article.

Parker was sentenced to 20 years in prison for her role in the crime. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown. The plea hearing did not offer any insight into what led to such a violent act in the workplace.

The tragedy has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on Marlow’s family and the community. It serves as a reminder of the need for workplace safety and the potential consequences of unresolved conflicts. The case highlights the importance of addressing and de-escalating workplace disputes before they turn deadly.

While no plea or sentence can bring back a lost life, the court’s decision provides a sense of justice for the victim’s family. It also emphasizes the seriousness of the crime committed and sends a message that acts of violence will not be tolerated.