Paulina Gonzalez was 19 and a mother when she was shot and killed at her home on West Hidalgo Avenue in Cantua Creek, California, on October 2, 2022, at about 3:00 AM. Her toddler was in the room during the shooting. Paulina’s boyfriend, 21-year-old Enrique Hernandez, fled the scene but was later located by detectives in Fresno and arrested. Investigators say Hernandez had illegally purchased the firearm used in the shooting and was legally prohibited from possessing guns due to prior convictions.

Hernandez was initially charged with murder; the charge was reduced to voluntary manslaughter at a court appearance. He also faces child endangerment allegations because the couple’s toddler was present. Arraignment was scheduled for October 19, 2022, and bail was set at $1.15 million. Paulina’s mother, Marcela Montgomery, and sister, Daisy Garcia, have spoken about their grief and their wish to see Paulina’s daughter Mary Jane raised in a loving home.

Anyone with information that could help investigators is asked to come forward.