Fresno, CA — Aaliyah Bonman, a 19-year-old woman, was tragically killed in a fatal shooting following a dispute early Saturday morning in northeast Fresno. The incident, which occurred in the parking lot of a Rite-Aid at Cedar Avenue and Nees Avenue, has left the local community in shock.
The Fresno Police Department responded to reports of a shooting around 3 a.m. and discovered Bonman with a gunshot wound to her upper body. She was immediately taken to St. Agnes Hospital, but despite the efforts of emergency responders, she was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival.
Investigations reveal that the shooting stemmed from a physical altercation between Bonman and 21-year-old Penelope Mehr outside a nearby hookah lounge. The confrontation escalated, continuing into the Rite-Aid parking lot, where Mehr allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot Bonman.
Homicide detectives identified Mehr as the primary suspect in the shooting. She was located by undercover detectives on Sunday, August 25, near the intersection of Second Street and Jensen Avenue and was arrested without incident. Mehr has since been booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges related to Bonman’s death.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the events leading up to the shooting to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Fresno Police Department or through CrimeStoppers.
The death of Aaliyah Bonman has deeply affected her family and friends, who are mourning the loss of a young woman whose life was cut tragically short. The community is calling for justice and seeking ways to address the violence that has claimed another life in Fresno.