Ayana Velardo, 30, was shot and killed after an argument at the Mila Lounge in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on August 9, 2025. According to witnesses, a bump between Ayana and another patron, Natasha Mary Dixon, 35, led to a verbal confrontation that was broken up inside the club but continued outside on Hazle Street. Ayana was in a parking lot across the street when Dixon approached, produced a handgun and fired a single shot that struck Ayana in the throat. Bystanders and responding officers tried life-saving measures; Ayana was taken to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and pronounced dead on arrival.

Wilkes-Barre detectives used surveillance footage and witness statements to identify Dixon. Plate readers reportedly captured a blue van registered to a relative of Dixon’s husband near the scene. Dixon was arrested, charged with an open count of criminal homicide, arraigned and held without bail at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. On February 20, 2026, she waived a preliminary hearing and the case was forwarded to the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas for trial.

If anyone who was at the Mila Lounge or nearby on the night of August 9, 2025 recalls details about the van, the confrontation, or has additional video, please come forward with information.