A young woman has been charged in the shooting death of a man who was found shot to death outside a home in northwest Charlotte early Tuesday morning.

The incident was reported around 3:47 a.m. at 7138 Mount Holly Road which is between Valleydale Road and Freedom Drive.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, someone called 911 and reported the incident.

The CMPD later identified the victim as 26-year-old Andrew Alan Nichols and they say he is the suspect's boyfriend.

When officers arrived at the home, Nichols was outside suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Traci Annette Bell, 24, has been charged with murder in the incident, police said.

Friends say the couple had a history of domestic violence.

"I'm not sure exactly what happened last night, but I know in my heart that it was out of fear for her own life and her children," said Ashley Hunsucker, Bell's friend.

In a police report filed six months ago, Bell claimed Nichols punched her in the back repeatedly and punched her in the mouth. Nichols was arrested the same day for assault on a female.

Police said the couple's two children were inside the home where Nichols was found dead. Officers with CMPD's Child Development-Community Policing were called to the scene to assist in caring for the children.

If you have any information about this shooting, call 704-332-TIPS or call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.