Katherine Kathy Montenegro, 23, was found fatally wounded in the early morning hours of May 18, 2021, in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven on Lalor Street in Hamilton Township. She had suffered a gunshot wound to her abdomen and was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to a nearby hospital.

The Mercer County Homicide Task Force identified 23-year-old Joshua Lopez of Ewing Township as the suspected shooter after reviewing area surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. Investigators say Lopez and Montenegro were acquaintances; the motive was not released. Lopez was arrested in Ewing Township less than a week later by the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force with assistance from other agencies and was charged with first-degree murder and multiple weapons offenses, including unlawful possession as a convicted felon. The prosecutor filed a motion to detain him pending trial.

If anyone knew Katherine, where she spent time that morning, or has information about the events at the 7-Eleven, please come forward.