Gospel Radio Show Announcer Killed In Baltimore Shooting

BALTIMORE, MD — A radio show announcer whose voice soothed listeners on WEAA for years reportedly died Wednesday night in a shooting in her northeast Baltimore neighborhood. Her death has been ruled a homicide, which officials said may have been related to an argument with a neighbor.

Tyra Womack, 57, was fatally shot in the 2400 block of Albion Avenue, according to Baltimore Police Detective Niki Fennoy.

A patrol officer responding to a reported shooting at 9:52 p.m. Wednesday found Womack shot multiple times, police said. Medical personnel pronounced Womack deceased in the 2400 block of Albion Avenue, according to authorities.

Womack provided church bulletins on Sunday afternoons on "Gospel Grace," a weekend program on 88.9 FM, the National Public Radio affiliate at Morgan State University.

"We are heartbroken about her passing and remember her beautiful, gentle, sweet spirit today," WEAA said in a statement Thursday. "Tyra was heard on Sunday's Gospel Grace programs for many years at WEAA."

She went by the name "Tyra Phillips" on air and provided inspirational quotes and readings, according to a statement Morgan State University's School of Global Journalism and Communication provided to WBAL. She was found inside her home in what police said was a "senseless, tragic murder" that apparently "stemmed from a neighbor dispute," according to the news station, which reported investigators have identified a person of interest.

The death of Womack — described as "sweet" and "gentle" — shocked her faith community.

About 200 people joined a prayer call for Womack Thursday morning, according to the Baltimore Sun, which reported she worshiped at First Apostolic Faith Church.

Anyone with information may call the Baltimore Police Department's homicide detectives at 410-396-2100.

Tipsters who want to stay anonymous can call the Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.