‘Too young, too senseless’: Police searching for suspect in north Fresno shooting

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Fresno Police said what started as an agreement to fight turned deadly on Saturday when a woman was shot and killed in the parking lot of a North Fresno Rite Aid.

According to Lieutenant Paul Cervantes, 19-year-old Aaliyah Bonman and 21-year-old Penelope Mehr had prior history leading up to the shooting.

The two were at a rap concert and ended up at a hookah lounge near a Johnny Quik Food Store & Liquor on Cedar Avenue, before agreeing to physically fight at Rite Aid.

“They had prior incidents where they had some type of disturbances in the past. They mutually agreed at this location to fight.” Lt. Cervantes said.

At around 3 a.m., on Saturday, officers were called to the area of Cedar Avenue and Nees Avenue where they found Bonman with a single gunshot to her upper body.

She was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Through its investigation of the incident, detectives learned that Mehr had been the one who pulled the trigger. According to Fresno Police, the gun used in the attack was provided by 18-year-old Nevaeh Solomon who police say is still on the run.

“That handgun is a handgun that was in possession of Nevaeh Solomon. That handgun was used to mortally wound Ms. Bondman in this event,” Lt. Cervantes said.

Police confirmed the entire shooting was recorded by a bystander who knew both of the women.

“It’s very common when individuals are involved in or about to be involved in a physical altercation for them to request a friend or a known acquaintance to record it. And this is actually what happened on this particular incident,” Lt. Cervantes said.

Fresno Police have not released the video because it has been submitted as evidence.

“I will not be able to share it with you. But I can tell you that the video itself is it was disturbing. It’s graphic and shocking,” Lt. Cervantes said.

Detectives are still asking for the public’s help in identifying more videos that could have been released.

“We’re going to be requesting further information. I’m sure there’s folks that are out there that have video. We’re learning that other social media outlets or other platforms have some video,” Lt. Cervantes explained. “It’s important to note that videos like this that are out there on the Internet, they’re irresponsible, they’re sensational. And then they’re harmful. You know, this is a recipe for disaster.”

Information and tips from the public are what helped police arrest Mehr on Sunday, Aug. 25, just one day after the shooting.

“Undercover detectives from the Street Violence Tactical Team located Mehr in the area of Jensen and Second. And she was immediately apprehended and taken into custody. She was later booked into the Fresno County Jail on one count of murder,” Lt. Cervantes said.

Despite the quick arrest, a community is now left mourning, as a memorial grows near the Rite Aid parking lot where Bonman was shot.

“Too young, too senseless. That’s really the bottom line,” Lt. Cervantes said.

Police are still searching for Solomon and the gun that was used in the shooting. Currently, a felony warrant has been issued for Solomon’s arrest.

Those who might have any information about her whereabouts or the shooting are asked to contact the Fresno Police Department. Callers can remain anonymous.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.