The city of El Paso is reeling from a devastating act of violence that unfolded just steps from the El Paso Police Department headquarters on Wednesday afternoon. Police say three people were killed, including the suspected shooter, and another remains in critical condition in what authorities are calling a suspected murder-suicide. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community — particularly after it was revealed that one of the victims was a rising star in the modeling world.

According to police spokesperson Officer Cisneros, the shooting took place at approximately 1:23 p.m. in the 1000 block of North Raynor Street, directly outside the police department. Officers inside the headquarters rushed to the scene after hearing gunshots, but the violence had already ended by the time they arrived.

Authorities identified the deceased victims as 21-year-old Mia Molina and 27-year-old Victoria Whitman. A 59-year-old man who was also shot remains hospitalized in critical condition. The suspect, 28-year-old Uriel Ontiveros, was found dead from what police say was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, bringing the total number of fatalities to three.

Preliminary findings indicate that Ontiveros shot the three victims before turning the gun on himself. Police say two vehicles were involved in the incident, one of which showed multiple bullet holes, evidence of the intense and targeted nature of the attack. All four individuals were rushed to local hospitals, but Molina and Whitman were pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The loss of Mia Molina has drawn widespread attention and grief. Molina, who was crowned Top Model USA 2023, was considered a rising figure in the fashion industry. El Paso Fashion Week, which had previously worked with Molina, released a statement expressing their heartbreak:

“We are terribly saddened by the news and ask for prayers for the family. Mia was not only our first Top Model USA but also a bright, passionate, and beloved member of our fashion community.”

Social media accounts associated with Molina and Ontiveros appear to suggest that the two may have been in a relationship, though police have not confirmed the nature of their connection or a possible motive. Investigators are currently reviewing digital evidence, witness statements, and surveillance footage as they work to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.

The tragedy comes on the heels of another violent incident in El Paso just two days earlier, in which five teenagers aged 15 to 17 were shot. A 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody in that case, though authorities have not indicated any connection between the two shootings.

El Paso, which is often recognized as one of America’s safest large cities, has been shaken by these back-to-back acts of violence. Officials and community leaders have called for unity, support for the victims’ families, and a renewed focus on addressing the root causes of domestic violence and gun-related tragedies.

“This is a heartbreaking situation,” Officer Cisneros said. “Our deepest condolences go out to the victims’ families. We are committed to thoroughly investigating this case to provide them with answers and justice.”

As the investigation continues, vigils and tributes are being planned across the city to honor Mia Molina, Victoria Whitman, and all those affected by this senseless act of violence.