On the night of September 2, 2020, Jaloni Blasher, a 22-year-old resident of Richmond, California, was tragically killed in a shooting incident at the Crescent Park Apartments. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. when more than one shooter opened fire on a group of people congregating in the 4800 block of Hartnett Avenue. The group was socializing, eating, and listening to music when the assailants approached on foot and began firing numerous shots.
Jaloni Blasher was struck multiple times and succumbed to his injuries before he could be transported to a hospital. A 17-year-old girl was also wounded in the shooting but survived.
The investigation into Blasher's death revealed that the shooting was likely a retaliation for a separate fatal shooting that had occurred the previous day. On September 1, 2020, Erick Galeana, another 22-year-old, was killed, and a 20-year-old man was injured in a mid-afternoon shooting in the Belding Woods neighborhood of Richmond. The connection between these two incidents suggested a cycle of retaliatory violence.
Richmond police quickly identified and arrested three 17-year-old suspects in connection with Blasher's murder. One suspect was apprehended the day after the shooting at a residence in Richmond and was subsequently charged with murder with gang enhancements by the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office. The other two suspects were arrested at their respective homes in San Pablo and Richmond. The District Attorney's Office reviewed their cases to determine whether to file formal charges. Due to their status as minors, the names of the suspects were not released to the public.
The investigation into Blasher's death involved the execution of multiple search warrants, which led to the discovery of evidence believed to be related to the homicide. However, the specific nature of this evidence was not disclosed by the authorities. The case highlighted the ongoing issue of gang-related violence in the area, although police did not definitively confirm gang involvement in the shooting.
Blasher's death marked the 13th homicide investigated by Richmond police in 2020. The community was urged to come forward with any information that could assist in solving the case, and tips could be provided anonymously. The tragic loss of Jaloni Blasher underscored the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities, prompting calls for increased efforts to address the root causes of such violence and prevent further loss of life.
