A police officer shot and killed Pearlie Golden, a 93-year-old woman who was a staple of the Hearne, Texas community.
Golden was armed when Officer Stephen Stem approached her, according to KBTX.
Authorities had recently refused to renew her driver’s license, and her nephew had attempted to take her car keys away from her. Golden declined to hand them over, and may have threatened him with her gun. The nephew called the police, prompting the confrontation.
Stem fired five shots at Golden. She died of her injuries.
He has been placed on leave pending an investigation.
Golden was apparently ordered to drop her weapon when the officer approached her. It is unclear whether she attempted to do so.
Golden, a long-time resident of Hearne, was beloved by her neighbors, who have planned a candlelight vigil in her honor.