TEMECULA, CA — A 30-year-old Temecula woman was found fatally shot inside her apartment Monday morning, and a Los Angeles man, believed to be the father of her child, was arrested hours later on suspicion of murder, authorities said.
Shortly after 7:30 a.m., deputies from the Southwest Sheriff's Station were dispatched to the 28000 block of Colorado Avenue at the La Hacienda Apartments, following a report of unknown trouble.
"Upon arrival, deputies located the victim, Shaquilah Howard, a 30-year-old resident of Temecula, suffering from wounds consistent with a gunshot," Sgt. Carlos Mendoza said.
Howard was pronounced dead at the scene. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation.
Investigators identified Rashad Populus, 28, of Los Angeles, as a suspect. Populus, who is believed to be the father of Howard's child, was located and arrested shortly after 5 p.m. Monday in Oxnard, authorities said.
"Further investigation revealed Populus was released on parole on September 24, 2026, stemming from a conviction for assault with a firearm," Mendoza said.
The Riverside County District Attorney's Gang Impact Team and Riverside County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit assisted in locating Populus. The sheriff's department said he was taken into custody without incident.
Populus was being held at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta on suspicion of murder and a parole violation. He was scheduled to appear Oct. 8 at the Southwest Justice Center.
Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive or additional circumstances surrounding Howard's death.
The investigation remains ongoing, Mendoza said.
The victim's mother shared on social media that Howard leaves behind an 8-year-old child.
Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact Central Homicide Unit Investigator Manjarrez at 951-955-2777.
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