Mother of two murdered while working at Ohio restaurant: ex-boyfriend faces murder charges
The suspect, who was on parole for previous crimes, was arrested shortly after the attack
A 27-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by her ex-partner while serving customers at a restaurant in Ohio. The victim, a single mother of two children, died after being stabbed during the workday. The suspect, who was on probation for previous crimes, was arrested shortly after the attack.
Alyssa Hill, 27, was attacked Tuesday inside a Skyline Chili restaurant in the town of Norwood in the Cincinnati metropolitan area, WKRC reported.
According to authorities, the alleged attacker, Rick Wright, 37, entered the establishment and stabbed her in the back while she was serving customers in the dining room of the establishment, where she had worked for several years.
Co-workers and customers immediately called emergency services as the attacker fled on foot.
Hill was taken to an area hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
The suspect was arrested shortly after.
Police located Wright at a bank branch near the crime scene and arrested him.
Witnesses reported that the man left the bank handcuffed while observing the people around him.
Wright faces murder and assault charges and remains in custody at the Hamilton County Jail.
During his initial hearing, a judge ordered him held in custody without bail.
According to court documents, Wright was on parole at the time of the attack after being convicted of assaulting a police officer.
In addition, he had a record of assault, drug trafficking and robbery.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the homicide.
“He did everything right”
Friends and relatives of Hill pointed out that the relationship between the two had ended some time ago.
According to Tessa Lowery, a childhood friend of the victim, Hill decided to end the relationship after identifying worrying behavior in her then-partner.
"He recognized all the red flags in the few months they were together and left. He did everything he needed to do," Lowery said.
Family and friends described Hill as hardworking and committed to his loved ones.
According to a fundraising campaign created after his death, he was the main breadwinner for his two young children and worked seven days a week to support his family and help cover his father's medical expenses.
Kayla Elliott, one of her close friends, remembered her as a generous and caring woman.
"He had a kind heart and always knew what to say when someone needed support. He was the type of person who gave everything to help others," he said.
Those close to him emphasize that his children and family were the center of his life, a dedication that, they say, was reflected in each of his actions.
Authorities continue to gather evidence as the case moves through the court system.

