NATCHEZ — Erica Holt was supposed to take her three children to the zoo to kick-off the children’s summer vacation next week.

But their father tragically changed those plans Wednesday morning.

Erica, 28, was shot and killed by her husband, Daniel Holt, 35, 382 W. Stiers Lane, while sitting in her car at the Exxon gas station at the intersection of Homochitto Street and John R. Junkin Drive. Erica was an employee at the gas station.

Daniel, who had a long history of violent crimes and domestic violence incidents with Erica, fled the scene after the shooting. When Natchez police and sheriff’s deputies were attempting to apprehend him after he wrecked his car on Melrose Avenue, Daniel shot and killed himself.

The couple leaves behind a 10-year-old son and two daughters, ages 8 and 5. Erica’s sister Jessica Jarvis said she had no words to describe how she felt Wednesday.

“She was an amazing mother,” Jarvis said. “I can’t even describe how much she loved them.”

Jarvis said Erica loved to cook for her children and loved taking them to the park. She said Erica was always there for anyone who needed her.

“She did whatever she could to help anybody who needed it,” Jarvis said.

Erica’s mother, JoAnn Grover, said she will miss her daughter’s smile.

“I have so many memories of her smile,” Grover said. “She was a loving daughter and a good mother and wife.”

Natchez Lt. Craig Godbold said Erica had reported at least 10 incidents of domestic violence to NPD during the last 15 or so years, but never formally filed charges during that time.

Daniel was arrested by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office in April 2011 for aggravated assault/domestic violence.

Adams County Coroner James Lee said Erica was shot multiple times Wednesday morning and was pronounced dead at 6:45 a.m. at Natchez Regional Medical Center.

Daniel suffered a single gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 7:10 a.m. at Natchez Community Hospital.

Godbold said it is essential for domestic violence victims to not only report their abuse but to also follow through with their actions, which means filing charges and showing up in court so they can testify.

“If you’re in an abusive relationship, you have to get out of it,” he said. “It is never going to get any better.”

Victims of domestic violence should report their abuse to the Natchez Police Department by calling 601-445-5565 or Crime Stoppers at 601-442-5000.