GARNER, NC – Georgia State Patrol arrested a 28-year-old man Thursday evening in connection with the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old woman in Wake County, North Carolina, authorities announced.
Ricardo Gonzalez Maldonado was taken into custody around 9 p.m. and charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jennifer Sanchez Solis, according to the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting occurred Thursday morning around 11 a.m. in the 3000 block of Avery Street in Garner. Deputies responding to the scene found Solis suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead from her injuries.
Wake County investigators worked throughout the day to identify Maldonado as a suspect and coordinate with Georgia law enforcement for his apprehension. The sheriff’s office confirmed the suspect and victim knew each other, though officials have not disclosed the nature of their relationship.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jennifer Sanchez Solis’ loved ones and all those impacted,” Sheriff Willie Rowe said in a statement. “Our investigators worked diligently to identify and locate the suspect, and our community is safer because of it.”
Rowe praised the multi-agency cooperation that led to the swift arrest, noting the collaboration between North Carolina and Georgia law enforcement agencies made the apprehension possible within hours of the crime.
Maldonado remains in Georgia custody pending extradition proceedings to North Carolina, where he will face the murder charge in Wake County Superior Court.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting continues, with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office asking anyone with additional information to contact their tip line.
