Rihana Gilbert, a 46-year-old resident of Ashtabula, Ohio, tragically lost her life on May 5, 2023, due to gun violence. She was shot and pronounced dead at the scene of the incident, which occurred at an O'Reilly Auto Parts store located on West Prospect Road. The shooting was part of a larger spree that also involved another victim, Timothy, who was chased and shot by the same assailant shortly after Gilbert's death.
The suspect in this case has been identified as 36-year-old Montalban. Following the shooting, he was arrested and charged with murder. As of June 2024, a bench trial for Montalban is scheduled to address the charges against him. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, contributing to the community's shock and grief over Gilbert's untimely death.
In the wake of this tragedy, friends and family gathered to honor Rihana Gilbert's memory. A candlelight vigil was held shortly after her passing, where over fifty people came together to remember her as an "amazing person." The community's response highlights the impact of her loss and underscores the ongoing issue of gun violence in America.
