A tragic shooting in Wake County, North Carolina, claimed the life of 19-year-old Jennifer Sanchez Solis on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. in the 3000 block of Avery Street, near the intersection of Rock Quarry Road and East Garner Road, in the Auburn community, approximately two miles southeast of Garner.
Deputies from the Wake County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered Solis suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crime scene was quickly cordoned off with yellow tape, and several sheriff’s vehicles were stationed around the area as investigators began their work. The neighborhood, typically quiet and residential, was shaken by the sudden violence. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots before seeing law enforcement swarm the area. The Wake County Sheriff’s Office launched an immediate investigation, canvassing the area for evidence and speaking with potential witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
Later that evening, a significant development emerged when authorities announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the killing. Ricardo Gonzalez Maldonado, a 28-year-old man, was apprehended by the Georgia State Patrol around 9 p.m., nearly 10 hours after the shooting. He was located and taken into custody in Georgia, two states away from the crime scene. The swift arrest was the result of coordinated efforts between North Carolina and Georgia law enforcement agencies.
Maldonado has since been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jennifer Sanchez Solis. According to the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect and the victim were known to each other, though the nature of their relationship has not been publicly disclosed. Authorities have not released further details about the motive behind the shooting, but the case is being treated as a domestic-related homicide. The arrest in another state suggests that Maldonado may have fled the area following the incident, prompting a multi-state manhunt.
The community has been left reeling from the loss of a young life under such violent circumstances. Jennifer Sanchez Solis was remembered by friends and family as a vibrant and kind-hearted individual with a promising future. Her death has sparked renewed conversations in the region about gun violence, domestic safety, and the importance of mental health and conflict resolution resources. Local leaders have expressed condolences and pledged support for the family as they navigate this painful time.
As the investigation continues, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with additional information to come forward. They are particularly interested in any surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts that could shed more light on the events of that morning. The case remains active, and further updates are expected as Maldonado is extradited to North Carolina to face charges. The community continues to mourn while seeking justice for Jennifer Sanchez Solis.
