In the early morning hours of April 8, 2018, the life of 23-year-old Aliyah Jasmine Bonicelli-Stinson was tragically cut short in Aurora, Colorado. Just before 5 a.m., she and a male companion arrived at the University of Colorado Hospital, both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. While the man was seriously injured, Aliyah succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head. Her death was classified as a homicide.
The shooting occurred in the vicinity of Mississippi Avenue and Galena Street. The Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit immediately began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. For a time, no suspects were in custody, and the details of what led to the shooting remained undisclosed to the public. Authorities appealed to the community for any information that could lead to an arrest in the case.
Ten days after the fatal shooting, on April 18, 2018, the Aurora police arrested 32-year-old Shaun Davis in connection with Aliyah's death. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder. Following his arrest, Davis was held without bond at the Arapahoe County Jail, also on a parole violation. Court documents related to his case were sealed.
Aliyah was remembered as a beautiful young woman with a spirit that drew people to her. She was a mother to a four-year-old daughter and had dreams of a future that were left unfulfilled. Described as fiercely protective of those she loved, Aliyah had attended Rangeview High School and the Empire Beauty School of Aurora. She had been working in the hair and beauty industry for over two years. Her family, including her mother, father, and sisters, were left shattered by her sudden and violent death.
