The city was left heartbroken on Monday evening after the tragic death of 20-year-old Mariana Gómez, who was struck by a stray bullet during a shooting on Fifth Street. What started as an ordinary evening in one of the city’s busiest districts quickly turned into chaos and grief. Two people lost their lives — including Mariana, an innocent young woman with her whole future ahead of her.
Authorities say the incident happened around 5:30 p.m. in a crowded area filled with pedestrians and shops. Mariana had been walking along the street on her way to deliver a résumé for a job she hoped would help her build a better future. It was a small but meaningful step toward independence — one she never had the chance to complete.
Witnesses reported that a group of armed men approached a local merchant in what seemed to be a targeted attack. Moments later, gunfire erupted, echoing through the street as people screamed and ran for safety. Amid the chaos, Mariana was struck by a bullet while trying to protect herself.
Bystanders rushed to help her, applying pressure to her wound as emergency responders raced to the scene. She was quickly taken to a nearby hospital, but despite the doctors’ best efforts, she passed away shortly after arrival. Her death was confirmed at 6:12 p.m., a moment her loved ones will never forget.