Brittany Irwin, Fayetteville Tech Student And Mother, Shot Dead In Her Home

Brittany Irwin, 26,

On Wednesday, March 25, 2020 26-year-old mother Brittany Irwin of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was shot to death.

Things were looking up for Brittany Irwin of Fayetteville, North Carolina. The young mother and Fayetteville Tech student had just finished her course requirements and was hopeful for a new beginning.

"She was getting her life together, doing what she got to do,” her brother told a TV station. “She got a job, she was going back to school and doing what was right for her kids.”

Inside her home, Irwin’s peace was shattered on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 when the 26-year-old mother was shot to death, according to news reports.

Irwin was gunned down execution-style while four other members of her family were inside the home, including her two small children.

T'Shan Torrey, the victim’s brother, said this: "Basically her ex-boyfriend just came and just shot her," he told WRAL-TV.

The boyfriend, Marshall Hollingsworth, and Irwin had become estranged over the last several months. And he allegedly threatened Irwin repeatedly in the days running up to the shooting, according to Torrey.

Hollingsworth is the father of Irwin's 1-year-old daughter, the TV station reports. The victim’s 7-year-old son was the one who saw his mother fighting for her life on the floor.

"Mommy, get up,” the boy said, according to WRAL. He then ran to the side of his little sister to protect her

"It's going be, like, traumatizing for him, you know, 'cause that's his momma," Torrey was quoted as saying.

Fayetteville Tech President Dr. J. Larry Keen, issued this statement on Irwin’s death:

"This is terrible news. Our deepest sympathies go out to Brittany Irwin's family and loved ones, especially her children, and also to the faculty and classmates who shared time with her and enjoyed her company. Shortly before 9 last night, Brittany completed her online virtual course session with FTCC instructor Tonya Francis. In doing so, she earned the remainder of the 300 hours she needed to meet state licensure requirements to be a nail technician. Even as Brittany is mourned, we hope that she will also be celebrated for her life, her accomplishments and her commitment to achieving this educational goal, which would have launched her into a new career. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones."

After the murder, the gunman took off running, Torrey said.

Anyone with information regarding this shooting investigation is asked to contact Detective Johnson at (910) 224-3257 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).