In the quiet hours of a late Monday night, the peaceful streets of a Costa Mesa residential neighborhood were shattered by the sound of gunshots. Monserrat Colorado, a 20-year-old woman from nearby Huntington Beach, lay on a sidewalk in the 1500 block of Lukup Lane, her life slipping away from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the swift response of Costa Mesa Police and the desperate efforts of paramedics, Colorado could not be saved. Her death, confirmed by authorities on June 3, 2025, has left a community in mourning and a family grappling with an unimaginable loss. As investigators work tirelessly to uncover the truth, the city is left searching for answers in a tragedy that has struck at its heart.
The incident unfolded around 11:10 p.m. on June 2, when multiple 911 calls flooded the Costa Mesa Police Department, reporting gunfire and a person down. Officers arrived to find Colorado, known to friends as “Monse,” critically injured. First responders administered emergency aid on the scene, attempting to stabilize her condition before she was rushed to a local hospital. Despite their efforts, Colorado succumbed to her injuries, marking a somber moment for a city that has seen its share of violence in recent years but remains unaccustomed to such personal loss. Authorities later released her name after notifying her family, a process that underscores the human toll of such investigations.
Details surrounding the shooting remain scarce as detectives piece together the events leading to Colorado’s death. Early indications suggest she may have known her attacker, a detail that adds a layer of complexity to the case. Whether this was a targeted act or the result of a personal dispute is still unclear, as police have not disclosed a possible motive. No suspect has been identified, and no arrests have been made, leaving the community on edge as the search for the perpetrator continues. The Costa Mesa Police Department has emphasized that the investigation is active, with officers pursuing every available lead to bring justice to Colorado and her loved ones.
The neighborhood where the shooting occurred is a quiet, residential area not typically associated with violent crime. Residents have expressed shock and sorrow, describing the incident as a stark reminder of how quickly safety can be disrupted. Local authorities are combing through surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses, hoping to capture critical evidence that could identify the suspect. They are also canvassing the area, speaking with neighbors who may have heard or seen something unusual in the moments before or after the gunfire. The police have urged anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward, offering anonymity to encourage cooperation.
For those who knew Monserrat Colorado, the loss is deeply personal. Described by friends as a vibrant young woman with a bright future, she was reportedly finishing a shift as a home health-care worker when the shooting occurred. Her death has sparked an outpouring of grief, with community members calling for unity and support for her family. Vigils and memorials are being planned as a way to honor her memory and demand accountability for the senseless act that took her life.
The Costa Mesa Police Department has issued a public plea for assistance, asking anyone with relevant information or surveillance footage to contact Detective Ron Stocking at (714) 754-5392 or Sergeant Jake Jacobi at (714) 754-5352. As the investigation presses forward, the focus remains on delivering justice for Monserrat Colorado and providing closure to a family and community forever changed by her loss. In a city that prides itself on its close-knit spirit, this tragedy serves as a call to come together, support one another, and work toward a future where such heartbreak is no longer a reality.
