A 41-year-old woman killed in the parking lot of a Hoover apartment complex Friday night was shot four times from behind in what appears to have been a targeted attack, police said Saturday.

The victim was identified as Hoover resident Shemethia Tynise Coteat.

Hoover police and fire medics responded shortly before 7 p.m. Friday to The Park at Wellington and Wakefield apartments off Tyler Road. Once on the scene, they found Coteat outside near her car. She was pronounced dead on the scene at 7:05 p.m.

“While we’re not ruling out any possible scenario at this point, initial observations would suggest that robbery was not a motive,” Hoover police Capt. Gregg Rector told AL.com.

Police said it appears Coteat was retrieving items from the backseat of her vehicle when she was attacked. Detectives are still working to determine a motive, but early indications are Coteat was specifically targeted.

Shemethia Tynise Coteat

“The crime scene and autopsy results appear to indicate that our victim was ambushed after returning home from running errands” Rector said.

"This is a really tragic situation. Our victim had a good job, was very family-oriented and worked hard to provide for them.

“We’re asking for anyone that has information about this case, specifically if they know someone who may have been angry with Shemethia, to please come forward.”

Lt. Keith Czeskleba said witnesses reported seeing a dark-colored four-door sedan speed away from the scene.

Hoover police said no suspects are in custody. Authorities said detectives are trying to determine a motive in the slaying.

This is the city’s first homicide of 2020. In all of Jefferson County, there have been 22 homicides this year. Those slayings have taken place in Birmingham, Leeds, Warrior, Bessemer, Brighton, Vestavia Hills and unincorporated Jefferson County.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hoover police Det. Brad Fountain at 205-444-7562 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Tipsters to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.