Lorena Suarez, 31, was shot and killed on August 19, 2022, in the 1500 block of Cottonwood Street in Tulare. She was sitting inside a vehicle with two men when a gun discharged and struck her in the chest. Suarez was taken to a local hospital but died of her wounds despite life-saving efforts by the men and responding officers.

The two men in the car have been identified as an off-duty reserve police officer and a bail enforcement agent. They told investigators the shooting was accidental, saying a firearm was being passed back and forth inside the vehicle when it discharged. Both men were taken to the Tulare Police Department for questioning; police submitted a crime report to the District Attorney recommending involuntary manslaughter and the DA is reviewing the case. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

Neighbors and witnesses reported shock at the shooting. Does anyone who was in the area that night or who knew Lorena have information that could help clarify what happened?