Gabriella 'Gabby' Dehoyos, a 21-year-old pregnant woman from Saint Paul, Minnesota, tragically lost her life on March 13, 2023, in a senseless act of gun violence. Gabby was riding in a Kia SUV with her boyfriend, three young children, and a friend near the I-94 ramp and old Sears store location in St. Paul, close to the intersection of St. Anthony Avenue and Marion Street.
At approximately 5 p.m., a gunman pulled up alongside their vehicle and opened fire.
Gabby was shot in the head while sitting in the back seat, reportedly protecting her children. Her boyfriend immediately drove to nearby Regions Hospital, but despite efforts to save her, Gabby did not survive her injuries. It was later discovered that she was seven weeks pregnant at the time of the shooting.
The suspect, Paul Dwayne Harris, a 24-year-old St. Paul resident, was arrested on March 16, 2023, in connection with the drive-by shooting. Harris, who was on supervised release at the time of the incident, had a criminal history that included a juvenile court adjudication for burglary and two convictions for possessing a firearm by an ineligible person.
On March 17, 2023, Harris was charged with second-degree drive-by murder. He initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty in November 2023. As part of the plea agreement, the state agreed to drop two lesser counts against him.
Gabby's family described her as a beautiful person, both inside and out, who was full of glamour and laughter. Her mother, Debbie Dehoyos, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, particularly concerning Gabby's children, who would grow up without knowing their mother's voice, smell, or true essence.
The tragic death of Gabriella Dehoyos highlights the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities. Her untimely passing left behind three young children under the age of four and a grieving family who had been looking forward to moving into a new home with more space for their multigenerational household.
