Valerie Macon, a 60-year-old resident of Pomona, California, tragically lost her life on July 12, 2022. The incident occurred at her home on San Bernardino Avenue, where she was fatally shot. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's office confirmed her identity and the cause of death. The circumstances surrounding her death were deeply distressing, as it was revealed that she was shot by her ex-boyfriend, Darnel Dwight Haley, aged 62. The motive for the shooting was believed to be linked to their recent breakup, which had evidently led to heightened tensions and ultimately, this tragic outcome.
On the night of the incident, officers responded to reports of a shooting and found Valerie Macon wounded on her porch. Despite their efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Another woman, a relative of Valerie, also sustained minor injuries during the incident. The police immediately launched an investigation and identified Darnel Dwight Haley as the primary suspect. They released details about his vehicle, a 2009 tan Kia Spectra, and urged the public to assist in locating him.
The following day, on July 13, 2022, Haley was found dead in his car in Rialto, California. He had apparently taken his own life, and a gun was discovered in his lap. This discovery brought a grim end to the search for the suspect and closed the immediate chapter of the investigation. The case highlighted the severe consequences of domestic disputes and the tragic outcomes that can arise from unresolved personal conflicts. The community of Pomona was left to mourn the loss of Valerie Macon, while also grappling with the broader implications of domestic violence and its devastating impact on families and communities.
