PASCO, WA – Authorities have arrested a Washington man in connection with the fatal shooting of a young mother, whose body was found inside a garage apartment earlier this week.
Jonathon Villegas, 30, faces a second-degree murder charge for the death of 23-year-old Lupita Ponce-Penaloza, Pasco police said. Officers responded to a 911 call reporting gunshots near 20th Street and Marie Avenue in the early morning hours of July 23. Upon arrival, they discovered Ponce-Penaloza in the detached garage residence, unresponsive and suffering from several gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The swift investigation led authorities to identify Villegas as the primary suspect. By Friday, law enforcement located and apprehended him roughly 65 miles south of Pasco, in Pendleton, Oregon. He is currently jailed in Umatilla County without bond, awaiting extradition to Washington.
Court documents reveal that Ponce-Penaloza had expressed fear of Villegas in the days leading up to her death. In conversations with a friend, she reportedly referred to him by the nickname “Trucha” and questioned whether he was attempting to set her up. She even warned her friend that she might need to call for help if a dangerous situation unfolded.
Two individuals who shared the apartment with Ponce-Penaloza were present during the shooting, according to the investigation. Their versions of events differ: one roommate claimed that Villegas arrived with Ponce-Penaloza, retrieved a handgun from beneath a coffee table, and shot her before allowing a second man into the apartment. This second individual allegedly fired additional shots at the victim.
The other roommate told authorities there was only a single shooter. However, investigators say they found two types of shell casings at the scene, indicating that more than one firearm may have been used in the attack.
No arrests have been made regarding the possible second suspect, and detectives have yet to publicly discuss a motive. Pasco police noted that the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward.
Ponce-Penaloza leaves behind a young son. In the wake of her death, her sister has established an online fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and support her child. Family members described her as a caring and cheerful person who brought loved ones together, even during difficult times.
Authorities continue to pursue leads in the case as the community mourns the loss of a mother and friend.