Georgia authorities maintain an intense search for Antwane Sintell Thurmond, 45, identified as the main suspect in the murder of his ex-partner, Tia Vidon Keith, 44, who was shot after trying to escape and ask for help at a convenience store in the city of Gainesville.

The Hall County Sheriff's Office reported that Thurmond faces arrest warrants on charges of malice murder, felony murder and domestic violence aggravated assault. At this time, the suspect remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.

According to the investigation, the attack occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. Thursday, when Keith arrived at the Subhanallah Food Mart to do some shopping.

Investigators maintain that Thurmond, who previously lived with the victim, was hiding in the passenger seat of Keith's car when she returned to the vehicle. At that time, he allegedly shot him several times.

The victim tried to take refuge inside the store

Despite his injuries, Keith managed to get out of the car and ran inside the business for help.

According to the owner of the store, surveillance cameras show the woman trying to reach the bathroom area before collapsing.

Authorities say Thurmond chased her into the establishment and, once she fell to the ground, shot her again several times.

“The victim died on the floor of the convenience store,” the Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

After the attack, the suspect fled in his own vehicle. An employee of the establishment called 911. Neither the worker nor another customer who was there were injured.

The suspect remains at large

Authorities reported that they have already located the car used by Thurmond and searched his residence in the Atlanta metropolitan area. However, the man has not been found.

The suspect is described as a man, 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall, weighing approximately 212 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

In addition, he has several tattoos, including one on his neck with the inscription “ROMANS 12:19.” He also has a prosthesis on his lower left leg and walks with a slight limp.

The Sheriff's Office warned that Thurmond should be considered armed and dangerous, and asked the public not to attempt to confront him and to contact authorities if they have information about his whereabouts.

People who can provide information can call 770-503-3232 or send information to email intelrequest@hallcounty.org. It is also possible to make complaints anonymously.

Relatives remember Tia Vidon Keith

Tia Vidon Keith was a professional stylist and owner of her own beauty salon, according to information posted on her Facebook profile.

Her family asked that she be remembered for the person she was in life and not only for the circumstances of her death.

"Remember her heart, the kind of person she was. Her sense of humor, that she was a sweet person. She liked to look good, she was very glamorous and she was always willing to help anyone. She had a family that loved her," said her cousin, Charlotte Sosebee, in statements to WSB.

The authorities have not reported so far what the motive for the attack would have been, while the investigation continues.