Lupita Ponce-Penaloza Obituary, Death: 23-year-old woman identified as victim in Pasco apartment homicide

Lupita Ponce-Penaloza Obituary, Death – Authorities in Pasco have identified the woman killed in a recent homicide as 23-year-old Lupita Ponce-Penaloza. The Franklin County Coroner, Curtis McGary, confirmed her identity after she was found dead early Wednesday morning inside a converted garage on Marie Street.

According to police, officers were called around 2:30 a.m. to a home located in the 1800 block of Marie Street after receiving a report that a woman had been shot several times. When officers arrived, they discovered Ponce-Penaloza deceased at the scene. The residence is situated near the intersection of 20th Avenue and West Marie Street, directly across from a Safeway grocery store and a short distance from Highway 395 and St. Patrick’s Church.

Online records and official documents indicate that Ponce-Penaloza had ties to both Kennewick and Pasco, suggesting she may have lived in either or both cities. The residence where she was found was described as a converted garage, though authorities have not clarified whether it was being used as a living space.

Pasco Police Lt. Tom Groom confirmed that detectives are investigating the incident as a homicide. As of Thursday morning, however, no suspects had been arrested or booked into the Franklin County jail in relation to her death. Law enforcement has yet to release details regarding possible suspects, motives, or events that led up to the shooting.

An autopsy to determine the exact cause of death was scheduled to take place Thursday afternoon in Benton County. The results of that examination may provide further insight into the nature and circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

Police are continuing their investigation and are urging anyone with information to come forward. They have specifically asked that tips be directed to Detective Julie Lee, who can be reached via email at leej@pasco-wa.gov.

The tragic death of Lupita Ponce-Penaloza has shaken the local community, as authorities work to gather leads and determine what transpired in the early hours of Wednesday morning. With no arrests made yet, law enforcement remains focused on uncovering the facts and identifying the person or persons responsible.

This homicide adds to a string of violent crimes that have left residents in the Tri-Cities region increasingly concerned about public safety. Officials are emphasizing the importance of community cooperation and are hopeful that anyone with relevant information will come forward to assist in solving the case.

Further updates are expected from police once more evidence is gathered or arrests are made. For now, the investigation remains open, and the search for answers continues.