A recent college graduate with aspirations in medicine was fatally shot following a dispute at a house party in Fresno, California, authorities reported.
Marione Tsegay, 26, was involved in a heated exchange with 24-year-old Nemadia Knuckles before gunshots were heard, according to detectives with the Fresno Police Department.
One of the attendees attempted to transport Tsegay to the hospital, but their vehicle was intercepted by emergency services near Fruit and Shields avenues around 9:20 p.m. on Saturday. Tsegay, who had recently earned her college degree, sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at Community Regional Medical Center after paramedics attempted life-saving measures.
Both Tsegay and Knuckles were identified by police on Monday. Knuckles was arrested later Saturday night, around 11 p.m., at a Wendy’s restaurant located near Blackstone and Weldon avenues. She was booked on suspicion of murder, and her bail was set at $1 million.
Before the incident, Tsegay worked as a physical therapy aide at Fresno Heart and Surgical Hospital. She graduated from California State University, Fresno in August 2023 with a degree in kinesiology and exercise science, earning a sash indicating she was a first-generation college student. She had also worked for several years at McDonald's, where she advanced to the position of assistant general manager.
Friends and acquaintances remembered Tsegay for her kindness and aspirations. A pastor, who stated his sister was friends with Tsegay, described her life as having been taken "far too soon" and urged others to cherish their relationships and loved ones. Another friend, Victoria Criner, recalled Tsegay as always being "so sweet" and valued her "creativity."
Fresno police are requesting that anyone with information regarding the case contact Homicide Detective A. Barragan at 559-621-2449 or Detective R. Gallegos at 559-621-2451.