In a tragic event that unfolded in Aurora, Colorado, 20-year-old Alondra Reyes and her 14-month-old daughter, Aaliyah Leanne Vargas Reyes, lost their lives in a shooting. The incident, which has been classified as a double homicide, took place on the morning of Saturday, December 14, 2024, within a residence in the 10300 block of East Evans Avenue.
According to the Aurora Police Department, officers were dispatched to the location around 10:27 a.m. after receiving a 911 call where sounds of a disturbance could be heard. A subsequent call reported gunshots at the same address. Upon their arrival, law enforcement discovered a heartbreaking scene. Alondra Reyes and her infant daughter were found with gunshot wounds. A third individual, a 44-year-old woman believed to be Alondra's mother, was also present and had sustained a minor injury to her hand. Emergency responders provided medical aid at the scene before rushing both Alondra and Aaliyah to separate hospitals with life-threatening injuries. Tragically, both mother and child succumbed to their wounds later that day.
The investigation into the shooting pointed to a 19-year-old man as the suspected shooter. He was found deceased inside the residence in what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities have indicated that the shooting was related to an 'unknown family incident' and that all individuals involved were known to each other. While the suspected shooter has not been publicly identified by the coroner's office, the case is being investigated as a double homicide and suicide.
The community has been left to mourn the loss of a young mother and her child. An online obituary described Alondra as a 'caring, patient & kind soul' who enjoyed painting, arts and crafts, and exploring nature. Her daughter, Aaliyah, was remembered as a 'smart and happy baby' who loved to dance and learn. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated by the family to help with funeral expenses. The investigation into the circumstances that led to this devastating event remains ongoing.
