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'She had so much love' || Family remembers 25-year-old woman killed in West Knox Co. shooting

Kelsey Polk's cousin and best friend said Polk was a free spirit who loved to travel.

KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — A Knox County man admitted he fatally shot a woman during a domestic dispute at their home, according to warrants.

According to the Knox County Sheriff's Office, 25-year-old Kelsey Polk's body was found at a West Knox County home on Missoula Way on Sunday, Jan. 26. 

Authorities arrested Robert Earl England, 33, of Harrogate and charged him with first-degree murder.

Credit: KCSO
Robert Earl England

Both the suspect and the victim had recently moved to Knoxville.

KCSO said England's bond has been set at $1 million.

RELATED: Knox County Sheriff's Office to investigate West Knox woman's death

England was originally identified by KCSO as Roger England, which the warrants list as an alias for England.

Whitney Jefford is grieving her cousin and her best friend.

"We literally did everything together," Jefford said. "She wanted to travel the world, and show love to everybody."

Jefford said Polk was romantically interested in England, and they had just met.

"She wanted a family, but while she was young she wanted to move around to see everything," Jefford said.

RELATED: Knoxville mother begs for closure almost a year after daughter was fatally shot

She said that Polk planned to marry him, and that she'd found the love of her life.

Jefford didn't know much about England -- only that they met at Polk's job.

"She didn't even say goodbye to anybody, only through text, because they were rushed to get down there in Tennessee," Jefford said.

Jefford said the move didn't surprise her, because Polk loved and trusted people quickly.

"She loved so hard," Jefford said. "She had so much love and it was like it didn't even matter what she was going through. She was always strong for everybody."

RELATED: KPD investigating West Knox apartment shooting

Jefford said what makes matters worse is she recently had a child, making Polk an aunt.

"I know she would've been the best aunt ever," Jefford said.

Jefford said she wishes Polk hadn't gone to Tennessee.

As the family moves forward, she said she'll miss her best friend dearly.

RELATED: Shooting near East Tennessee Children's Hospital leaves business asking for more safety in area

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