Aaliyah Annalyse Ranee Salazar, 14, was fatally shot in the head on August 7, 2022, in Monte Vista, Colorado, while filming a TikTok dance video at a friend’s home. Police found her unconscious at a Monroe Street residence that afternoon; emergency responders found no signs of life. Reports say she had been with two other female juveniles when the shooting occurred and that a video taken just before the shooting shows Aaliyah dancing while someone in the background was reportedly fiddling with something. One teenager present told investigators she saw another girl point a Glock 19 pistol at Aaliyah and fire.

Three people were arrested in connection with the case. Two juvenile females were taken into custody and charged with reckless manslaughter and possession of a handgun by a juvenile. The firearm’s owner, 21-year-old Emiliano Vargas, was arrested and charged with providing or permitting a juvenile to possess a firearm; he is believed not to have been present when the shooting occurred. Aaliyah lived with her grandfather and guardian, Gary Salazar, and was remembered for her love of dancing, making TikTok videos, and her affection for animals.

Does anyone have information about that afternoon on Monroe Street or the people involved?