On June 25, 2023, 19-year-old Liliana "Lili" Zaragoza was fatally shot during a party at a residence on Sunset Drive near Washington Boulevard in Livingston, California. Deputies from the Merced County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, where they found Zaragoza deceased from a gunshot wound. Another individual, a female juvenile, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital for treatment.
Lili was a recent graduate of Livingston High School and had just completed her phlebotomy certification at Merced College, aspiring to further her education in radiology with the goal of pursuing a career in the medical field. Her mother, Aracely Meza, described her as a focused and goal-oriented individual who seldom attended parties, dedicating her time to her studies and family. Tragically, Lili's death came shortly after she had helped raise funds to lay her father to rest, compounding the family's grief.
In the days following the incident, the Merced County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation that led to the arrest of 22-year-old Josiah Lawrence Williams on June 28, 2023. Williams was charged with murder in connection with Lili's death and was booked into jail with bail set at $1 million. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Lili's untimely death has left a profound void in the lives of her family and friends. A GoFundMe page was established to help cover funeral expenses, with loved ones remembering her as a happy, clever individual full of jokes, whose bright future was tragically cut short. The community continues to mourn her loss, seeking justice and answers surrounding the circumstances of that fateful night.
