In Loving Memory of Jesus Ugald

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — The Henrico County community is mourning the loss of 21-year-old Jesus Ugalde, who was killed in a shooting early Sunday morning at an apartment complex in the county’s West End.

The tragic incident unfolded during the early-morning hours at the Hunters Ridge Apartments in the Tuckahoe area, leaving residents and the wider Henrico community shaken. According to Henrico Police, officers were dispatched to the 00 block of Craighill Road at approximately 3 a.m. following reports of a shooting.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found Ugalde in the apartment complex parking lot suffering from obvious signs of trauma. Despite the response of emergency personnel and law enforcement, the young man was pronounced dead at the scene.

At just 21 years old, Ugalde’s life was tragically cut short. His death represents not only the loss of a young life, but also an immeasurable loss for the people who knew and cared about him.

Remembering Jesus Ugalde

Jesus Ugalde was a 21-year-old Henrico resident whose life ended in circumstances that authorities are still working to understand fully. While investigators have not released extensive information about his personal life, family, or future aspirations, the loss of someone so young serves as a painful reminder of how suddenly a life can be taken away.

For those who knew Ugalde, memories of him will remain beyond the circumstances of his death. Every person leaves behind moments shared with family members, friends, neighbors and others whose lives they touched. Those memories become especially important during times of grief.

The investigation into his death remains active, and authorities have indicated that Ugalde and the person arrested in connection with the shooting knew each other.

Suspect Taken Into Custody

Henrico Police said officers quickly developed information about a possible suspect and the vehicle believed to have been used to leave the area.

Investigators subsequently located the vehicle and identified its driver as 22-year-old David Chavez Penaloza, also of Henrico. Penaloza was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

The charges represent allegations, and the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. Authorities have not publicly released details explaining what led to the confrontation or what occurred immediately before the shooting.

Police have confirmed that Penaloza and Ugalde knew each other, but investigators have not disclosed the nature of their relationship or a possible motive.

A Community Left Grieving

News of a fatal shooting at an apartment community can have a profound impact on residents and neighbors. The Hunters Ridge Apartments area became the focus of a police investigation in the early hours of Sunday, as authorities worked to secure the scene and determine what had happened.

For those who live nearby, the incident may leave difficult questions and concerns about safety. For Ugalde’s loved ones, however, the most significant loss is personal: the loss of a son, friend, relative, neighbor and young person whose future will now never be realized.

There are no words that can fully erase the pain that follows the sudden death of someone so young. Grief often comes in waves, bringing memories of ordinary moments that can become precious after a loved one’s passing.

As investigators continue their work, Ugalde’s family and friends are left to remember him for the life he lived rather than solely for the circumstances surrounding his death.

Investigation Continues

Henrico Police continue to investigate the shooting and have asked anyone with additional information to come forward.

Detective Z. Noah is handling the investigation and can be reached at 804-501-5581. People who may have information can also provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000 or through P3tips.

Authorities have not indicated that additional suspects are being sought based on the information provided so far, and the investigation remains ongoing.

As the legal process moves forward, investigators will continue working to establish the full sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting.

In Loving Memory

The death of Jesus Ugalde, 21, is a heartbreaking loss. A young life that should have held many more years, experiences and memories came to an abrupt end in the early hours of Sunday morning.

His loved ones now face the difficult task of grieving while investigators work to answer the questions surrounding his death.

May the memories of Jesus Ugalde remain a source of comfort to those who knew and loved him. May his family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy find strength and support during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Jesus Ugalde. Your life mattered, your memory will endure, and you will not be forgotten.

This remains a developing story, and additional information may be released as the investigation continues.