A quiet street in San Bernardino became the scene of a tragedy that cut short the life of a young mother. On a Sunday afternoon, 19-year-old Niliyah Montgomery was involved in an argument with a friend outside of her home in the 1600 block of West Concord Street. The dispute escalated from words to a physical fight. After the altercation, as Niliyah was walking back towards the safety of her house, a single gunshot rang out.
The bullet struck her in the back, and she tragically died from her injuries. Niliyah, who was the mother of a young daughter named Junie, had recently returned to school with the hope of creating a better future for her family.
The investigation into Niliyah's death quickly focused on identifying those present during the fight. According to San Bernardino Police, multiple people were at the location when the shooting occurred. Investigators determined that the fatal shot was fired from a vehicle after the physical confrontation had ended. After weeks of investigation, police identified 20-year-old Elvia Johnson as the suspect in Niliyah's murder. Authorities stated that following the altercation, Johnson got into a vehicle and fired the shot that killed Niliyah as she walked away. An active warrant was issued for Johnson's arrest, and she was considered armed and dangerous.
The senseless act of violence left a family and a community in mourning. Niliyah's mother, Tasha Montgomery, described the heartbreaking moment her daughter ran into her arms with blood coming from her mouth. She remembered her daughter as her firstborn, the one who made her a mother, and lamented that Niliyah had a long life ahead of her. A GoFundMe was organized to support the family with the unexpected funeral costs. The case against Elvia Johnson, once she is apprehended, will proceed through the legal system. As of the latest available information, she has not been convicted and is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The overview of this case is a somber reminder of how a dispute can escalate to a fatal encounter, leaving a child without a mother and a family grieving an immeasurable loss.
