Social media remembers slain Staunton woman

STAUNTON - Melanie Wade lost her life Saturday night after being shot Friday in Staunton.

The shooting took place at 106 South Sheets St. at 1:30 p.m. Friday. According to scanner traffic, Wade, 37, suffered a head wound and was then taken to the University of Virginia Medical Center. Orion Painter, 22, the alleged shooter fled the scene.

According to social media, Painter was Wade's recent fiancé.

Many took to social media to express their grief on losing Wade.

"My heart and prayers go out to my dear friend Melanie Wade," Deana McCauley posted on Wade's Facebook. "To her children, Mom, sister and entire family. I'm truly sorry for your loss and pray that you find peace and comfort."

"Melanie Wade we've been friends for over a decade when I was pregnant and scared you were there telling me everything would be fine when I had my son and I didn't know how to be a mom (s)he told me everyday I was doing great every time I needed encouragement you were always there," Angi Parker posted on Wade's Facebook. "You were truly an amazing person and I will definitely miss you."

According to Facebook, she studied psychology at Blue Ridge Community College and was a mother.

"So sorry this has happened to you Melanie ... Fly with the angels, nobody deserves to be killed in the name of love," Brenda Wilson Hulvey posted on Wade's Facebook. "You opened your heart to be loved and excepted just as you are ... A life snuff(ed) out way to(o) soon, a child taken way too soon. A mother, and sister taken way to soon ... I pray for your family to find comfort in dealing with the grieve taken to soon leaves behind ... Godspeed Melanie ... Glory in the highest!

Painter is still at-large and is considerer armed and dangerous. After Wade's death, Painter is now wanted for second degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Staunton Police Department at (540) 332-3842 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 322-2017.

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Follow Laura Peters @peterslaura and @peterpants. You can reach her at lpeters@newsleader.com or 213-9125.