LAKE CITY, FLORIDA — A 19-year-old Florida man has been arrested and charged with murder after authorities say his 21-year-old girlfriend was killed during a violent domestic altercation at a Lake City residence.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Isaiah Devon Campbell, 19, and the victim as Nicole Xenia Lopez, 21.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on NW Moore Road in Columbia County at approximately 4:19 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2026, after Campbell called 911 and reported that Lopez was not breathing.

According to authorities, Campbell told dispatchers that Lopez had fallen and struck her head during a physical altercation.

When deputies arrived, Lopez was found inside the home. Authorities said she was already cold to the touch and was pronounced dead by emergency medical personnel.

Investigators later determined that Lopez had suffered blunt-force injuries and stab wounds during what authorities described as a physical altercation involving Campbell.

Campbell was detained at the scene and subsequently interviewed by detectives before being arrested and booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility on a murder charge.

Additional details reported from the arrest affidavit provide a more detailed account of what investigators say Campbell told them.

That affidavit states, Campbell told detectives that he and Lopez had been arguing around midnight. He said Lopez struck him and that he became enraged and struck her in the face several times.

Campbell reportedly told investigators that Lopez subsequently complained of feeling lightheaded and fell to the floor.

He said he initially believed she was “playing around” and wanted attention and did not immediately check on her. He told investigators that he went into another room for approximately 30 minutes.

Campbell reportedly claimed that when he returned, Lopez was unresponsive. He told investigators that he attempted CPR before eventually calling 911.

He then became emotional during questioning and claimed that he had “blacked out” and did not intend to kill Lopez. Investigators, however, reported finding evidence consistent with a violent assault, including extensive bruising and facial swelling as well as multiple puncture wounds.

Campbell reportedly denied stabbing Lopez and told investigators that he only struck her with his hands.

According to WCJB, Lopez was a Columbia High School graduate and the mother of a toddler. Her family has publicly mourned her death and remembered her for her personality and smile.

Lopez was described by family members as a sweet and loving young woman.

Second Homicide in Less Than 24 Hours

The investigation into Lopez’s death occurred as Columbia County authorities were already dealing with another homicide investigation.

Approximately 12 hours earlier, deputies were investigating the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Ashia La Shai Moore.

Authorities identified a 17-year-old, Dominique Santonio Hill, as a person of interest and arrested him on an evidence-tampering charge while that investigation continued.

The Sheriff’s Office said its deputies, detectives and members of the Third Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office worked through the night on both investigations.

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Domestic violence can escalate rapidly, and warning signs should never be ignored.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help is available:

National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788.