A northeast Huntsville neighborhood was rocked by several instances of gunfire Wednesday night. One of these left a woman dead after she unsuccessfully tried to flee for help.

Huntsville police responded to the intersection of Melody Road and Melody Circle at about 7:15 p.m. after they got calls about a traffic accident. Instead they found a car crashed into a house with a dead body lying next to the open driver-side door.

Wednesday night, investigators said they believe she was killed as the result of an altercation nearby. Huntsville Police Lt. Randy Owens said there was a physical confrontation between the 35-year-old victim and some others at a separate location. He said one of the people involved pulled a gun and shot her.

Police believe the woman got into her car to drive away after being shot but her injury was too serious. Police believe she began to lose consciousness and crashed into the house, then died as she tried to get out.

The major crimes unit has taken lead in the investigation. Police have detained several people for questioning. None have been declared suspects at this point in the investigation.

The woman has not been identified at this time.

The aftermath could be felt long after the homicide occurred. Screams and crying penetrated the air for hours.

Several people were outside their houses to see the police commotion but none could tell AL.com they witnessed what happened. Others were too distraught to speak.

Gunfire went off again in the neighborhood about a half hour after police arrived. Owens said it was separate gunfire not related to this scene.

Madison County Deputy Coroner Tyler Berryhill said the victim's body will be sent in for an autopsy Thursday morning. He said the autopsy should be performed fairly quickly because it's being investigated as a homicide.