Young Woman’s Life Cut Short in Pasco Garage Shooting

PASCO, Wash. — A 23-year-old woman was found dead early Wednesday morning in a converted garage in Pasco, prompting a homicide investigation by local authorities. The victim, identified by Franklin County Coroner Curtis McGary as Lupita Ponce-Penaloza, was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds, marking a somber moment for the Tri-Cities community.
Pasco Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 2:30 a.m. in the 1800 block of Marie Street, near the intersection with 20th Avenue, close to a Safeway grocery store. Upon arrival, they found Ponce-Penaloza deceased inside a detached garage that had been converted into a living space. The scene was secured, and Washington State Patrol Crime Lab investigators were called to collect evidence, which continued into Wednesday afternoon.
Ponce-Penaloza had connections to both Pasco and Kennewick, though authorities have not confirmed whether she resided at the Marie Street location. Pasco Police Lieutenant Tom Groom confirmed the incident is being investigated as a homicide. No arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified at this stage. Details regarding a possible motive or the events leading up to the shooting remain undisclosed as detectives work to piece together the circumstances.
An autopsy was conducted on Thursday in Benton County to determine the precise cause of death, with hopes that the findings will provide critical insights into the nature of the shooting. The Pasco Police Department is actively pursuing leads, interviewing potential witnesses, and reviewing any available surveillance footage from the area to aid in the investigation.
The loss of Lupita Ponce-Penaloza has left the local community reeling, amplifying concerns about rising violence in the Tri-Cities region. Authorities are calling on the public for assistance, urging anyone with information about the incident or who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area early Wednesday to come forward. Tips can be directed to Detective Julie Lee at [email protected].
As the investigation continues, the Pasco Police Department remains committed to seeking justice for Ponce-Penaloza and her loved ones, hoping community cooperation will help bring answers and closure to this tragic case.