A tragic shooting occurred on July 23, 2025, when a 23-year-old mother, Lupita Ponce-Penaloza, was found dead inside a detached garage that served as an apartment. The suspect, Jonathon Villegas, a 30-year-old man, was quickly identified and arrested.
Authorities have charged him with second-degree murder following the shooting, which took place in Pasco, Washington.
What Happened?
The incident occurred in the early morning hours when a 911 call was made reporting a shooting at the apartment located near 20th Street and Marie Avenue. When police arrived, they found Ponce-Penaloza unconscious and not breathing, with multiple gunshot wounds. Tragically, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Villegas was located about 65 miles south in Pendleton, Oregon, and was arrested on Friday. He is currently being held in the Umatilla County Jail without bond as he awaits extradition back to Washington. While police have not yet revealed a motive for the crime, they are continuing their investigation.
The Victim’s Fears
According to an arrest affidavit, Ponce-Penaloza had been fearful of Villegas, who she referred to as “Trucha.” She had confided in a friend about her concerns, suggesting that Villegas may have been trying to set her up. In one message, she even told the friend to be ready to call 911 if things went wrong.
Two roommates who were in the apartment at the time of the shooting provided different accounts of what happened. One claimed that Villegas shot Ponce-Penaloza after retrieving a handgun from under a coffee table.
The other roommate mentioned that there was only one shooter. Investigators found evidence to support both accounts, as they discovered two different caliber casings at the scene.
Investigation Continues
Though Villegas has been arrested, Pasco Police are still actively investigating the case. A second suspect is reportedly involved in the shooting, but no arrests have been made so far. Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing, and they are continuing to search for answers.
Community Grief and Support
Ponce-Penaloza’s sister, Isabella Ponce, has set up a GoFundMe page to support funeral expenses and her nephew, Lupita’s young son.
Isabella described her sister as a loving mother and friend who always made people laugh and helped reunite family members despite their differences. Her untimely death has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew her.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a young woman with a bright future ahead of her. Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
