Man Accused of Fatally Stabbing Fiancée a Week After They Got Engaged

A Maryland man has been arrested after his fiancée was found fatally stabbed in her bathroom, just days after the couple became engaged.

Authorities in Howard County confirmed that 44-year-old Shelaya Broadwater was pronounced dead in her Ellicott City, Md., home on Thursday, Sept. 18.

Police took 34-year-old Rondale Dickerson into custody on multiple charges, including murder, in connection with Broadwater’s death, according to a press release.

Charging documents and a police communication account cited by WMAR 2 and WBAL-TV indicate that Broadwater was discovered by her child. The 14-year-old reportedly called 911, explaining that they found Broadwater with multiple stab wounds and blood throughout the bathroom.

The child told authorities that Dickerson, who had gotten engaged to Broadwater just a week earlier, had been banging on her door earlier that morning, WMAR 2 reported. They also alleged that Dickerson arrived at the apartment around 5 a.m. after Broadwater expressed frustration with him and tried to force entry into the unit, according to WBAL-TV.

Dickerson was arrested later the same day. Howard County police described Broadwater’s killing as a “targeted” attack.

Hours after her body was discovered, police responded to a welfare check at a nearby Walmart following reports of a man behaving suspiciously. The man, later identified as Dickerson, was shirtless and had cuts all over him, according to charging documents cited by WMAR 2.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the killing.

Broadwater was remembered by friends and family for her gentle and loving nature. In a Facebook tribute, her cousin wrote, “She was a beautiful soul inside and out. To have her snatched from us in such a violent way angers my spirit and breaks my heart. She was silent, quiet, loving and pure in heart… yet a coward chose violence against such a kind soul.”

Others shared similar sentiments online, with one person commenting, “She had such a beautiful soul, and her smile could brighten any room.”

Dickerson initially denied involvement in Broadwater’s death but later confessed, according to WBAL-TV and WMAR 2.

He faces charges including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, assault, and home invasion. Howard County authorities said he is being held without bond, and court records do not indicate whether he has entered pleas. His next court date is scheduled for October.

PEOPLE has reached out to the public defender listed as representing him.