On the evening of May 22, 2024, in Wichita, Kansas, 21-year-old Jadidah Ponce was at home when she suffered a fatal gunshot wound. Emergency services were first alerted to a disturbance involving shots fired at the intersection of 29th and Broadway. Later, at 9:24 p.m., police were called to Ascension Via Christi St. Francis hospital where Ponce had been brought as a walk-in shooting victim.
Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
Jadidah Ayanna Ponce, born on September 6, 2002, was a vibrant young woman deeply involved in her community. Throughout her school years, she was active in Girl Scouts, Danza, and AVID. In high school, she developed a passion for cheerleading and drama, serving as the president of the drama club. Her talent in cheerleading earned her a scholarship to Coffeyville Community College. She was a new mother, having welcomed her son, Geronimo Paul, on November 8, 2023.
Wichita police have described the shooting as a case of "targeted violence between two particular groups" and not a random act. Investigators have been processing multiple crime scenes related to the homicide. Authorities have indicated that their investigation has been hampered by a lack of cooperation from some potential witnesses who have not come forward with statements.
As of late May 2024, the investigation into Jadidah Ponce's death was ongoing. Law enforcement officials had not publicly identified any suspects or announced any arrests in connection with the shooting. The police have urged anyone with information to contact their investigators or to provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
