On April 21, 2023, 20-year-old Kaylie Lynn Allen was fatally shot outside a party near Grogan and West Avenues in Merced, California. According to witnesses, a 19-year-old man later identified as Jose Kevin Valencia-Zavala had been denied entry, grew agitated, confronted bouncers, left, then returned with a firearm and opened fire toward the crowd. Allen was struck and pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate medical attention.

Valencia-Zavala was arrested on May 18, 2023, after being seen leaving a motel and was charged with murder. Authorities noted he was a known gang member. A preliminary hearing began on November 19, 2024, where witnesses described the confrontation, his return, and how he identified himself as a gang member. Allen’s grandmother, who had dropped her granddaughter off at the party, testified that she found Kaylie lying on the ground.

The family has attended court proceedings and continues to seek justice for Kaylie. If anyone has information about the shooting or the events that night, please share what is known.