PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - An assault investigation at Somers Place Apartments in Princess Anne now has the homicide unit involved, after the victim died this week.
30-year-old Melissa Morris spent nine weeks in the hospital. Family and friends were hoping she would make a recovery, after she was allegedly beaten by her ex-boyfriend, Jason Phillips.
"She was a nice lady. What happened to her shouldn't have happened," said Gary Pinkett, a neighbor of Morris.
"I just knew she was going to make it. Something in me just told me she was going to make it. She was in there for two months. One minute her nephew told me she was okay. The next minute he told me she was dead and it really got me," said Luvernea Hodge, a friend of the victim.
The assault happened on May 15, in Morris' apartment at Somers Place. Her best friend, Scherrie Wallace, overheard the commotion and came in to break up the fight. Afterwards, Melissa complained of stomach pains and she was taken to the hospital.
Police say Melissa Morris died on Tuesday in the Hospital due to internal injuries. Now the assault case has become a homicide investigation.
"I feel sorry for the children and I felt sorry for her too because she suffered so long," said Lottie Moses, a family member of the victim.
Family say Morris had 6 children and already had health issues prior to the assault. She was on Dialysis due to kidney failure.
In the meantime, loved ones are just hoping the suspect, Jason Phillips, is captured. "I don't know why they haven't found him, but I have a lot of patience. I think justice will be served once they find him," said Moses.
Police say Jason Phillips also goes by they names of Joerell Glover or Jason Glover.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call police. Somerset County Crime Solvers is offering a $500 reward that leads to his arrest.