In the early hours of Saturday, August 24, 2024, 19-year-old Aaliyah Bonman was fatally shot in Fresno, California. The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. in the parking lot of a Rite Aid located at Cedar and Nees Avenues. Responding officers found Bonman with a single gunshot wound to her upper body. Despite immediate medical attention and transportation to Saint Agnes Medical Center, she was pronounced dead shortly after.
Investigations by the Fresno Police Department revealed that prior to the shooting, Bonman had engaged in a physical altercation with 21-year-old Penelope Mehr. During the confrontation, Mehr allegedly produced a handgun and shot Bonman. Authorities also identified 18-year-old Nevaeh Solomon as an accessory, suspecting her of providing the firearm used in the shooting.
On Sunday, August 25, undercover detectives apprehended Mehr near the intersection of Second Street and Jensen Avenue. She was subsequently booked into the Fresno County Jail on a murder charge. Solomon remained at large initially; however, she turned herself in to the police early Tuesday morning and was also booked into the Fresno County Jail.
The tragic death of Bonman, described by her mother as a loving individual with a bright future, has deeply affected the community. A GoFundMe campaign was established by her family to assist with funeral expenses and honor her memory. The campaign highlights Bonman's aspirations of attending nursing school and her reputation for caring about everyone and everything.
This incident marks the 21st homicide in Fresno for the year 2024. The Fresno Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and urges anyone with additional information to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.
