NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Police have arrested the boyfriend of a woman found shot to death.

Authorities Thursday booked 27-year-old Gary Burnett with second-degree murder of 35-year-old Shonray Lee, who lived on the city's west bank. Detectives found Lee near the bottom of a staircase early Wednesday. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office says she died of bullet wounds to the back and chest.

Neighbors told detectives that Lee and Burnett had a tumultuous relationship. Some said they heard a "boom," followed by what sounded like someone falling down stairs. They also heard Lee's children yelling, "Help my mama!"

Police say Burnett was booked after being questioned by police.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL