Navy lieutenant allegedly shot pregnant girlfriend to death because she wouldn’t get abortion

HAMPTON, Va. (TCD) -- A 27-year-old U.S. Navy lieutenant was taken into custody and charged with murder for allegedly fatally shooting his pregnant girlfriend because she did not get an abortion.

According to a statement, Hanover County deputies responded to Winns Church and Greenwood roads on July 21 at 7:01 a.m. after receiving a call about a body on the side of the road. She was later identified as 20-year-old Raquiah Paulette King, and the Hanover County Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide.

Nearly a month after finding her body, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office announced investigators arrested Emmanuel Dewayne Coble for first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

According to court documents cited by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Coble is a junior grade lieutenant in the Navy.

A Navy spokesperson told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in a statement, "The Navy is cooperating with law enforcement agencies involved with this case, and we extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the victim."

King and Coble were reportedly involved in a romantic relationship and she was three months pregnant at the time of her death.

WTVR-TV, which also cites court documents, reports Coble allegedly told King to get an abortion, which he paid for. They reportedly got to the clinic July 20 and she changed her mind about the procedure. Prosecutors reportedly argue Coble became "frustrated" about her decision and shot her.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports other charges are pending regarding the unborn child’s death.

Jail records show Coble is currently being held without bond.

MORE:

• Victim of Homicide Identified, 8/5/2022 - Hanover County Sheriff
• Arrest Made in Homicide - Hanover County Sheriff
• UPDATE: Naval officer charged in slaying of pregnant Hampton woman whose remains were found in Hanover - Richmond Times-Dispatch
• Navy lieutenant killed his pregnant girlfriend because she did not get an abortion, prosecutors allege - WTVR