News Summary
In a heartbreaking incident in Payson, Arizona, 20-year-old Keonna Hoanie was fatally shot by her boyfriend following an argument inside their parked car. When the confrontation escalated, he allegedly shot Hoanie in the head, resulting in her death after being rushed to the hospital. The presence of a toddler and two other adults in the vehicle raises concerns about domestic violence. As her family grieves, they highlight issues surrounding abusive relationships and the need for awareness in the community.
Payson, Arizona – Tragic Domestic Shooting Claims Young Life
In a tragic incident in a Payson parking lot, 20-year-old Keonna Hoanie was shot and killed by her boyfriend, Donald Nash, who is 22 years old. The shooting occurred on Saturday morning following an argument between the couple inside a car parked along Beeline Highway near downtown Payson.
The confrontation escalated as Nash allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Hoanie in the head around 10 a.m. Two other adults and a toddler were present in the vehicle during the confrontation, raising serious concerns about their safety during the incident. Following the shooting, Nash drove the vehicle to a nearby Denny’s parking lot, where 911 was called for assistance. Authorities responded swiftly, and Hoanie was transported to a hospital but ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
Impact on Family and Community
The death of Hoanie, who had recently moved to Phoenix with Nash in July, has devastated her family and the Hopi community from which she hailed. Hoanie, originally from the Village of Tewa on the Hopi Reservation, had celebrated her 20th birthday just weeks prior to the incident. Described as kind and caring by her loved ones, the family expressed their pain and anger after witnessing surveillance footage of the fatal encounter.
In the wake of the tragedy, family members revealed that Hoanie had shown visible signs of abuse, including bruises, during recent visits home. This has highlighted issues surrounding domestic violence, and her relatives emphasized the urgency of recognizing and escaping harmful relationships. The tragic loss of Hoanie serves as a painful reminder of the pervasive issue of domestic abuse.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Donald Nash has been charged with second-degree murder, along with three counts of felony endangerment and resisting arrest. The legal proceedings are expected to unfold as police continue their investigation into the shooting. The incident, which caused significant traffic disruptions in the area due to police presence, has raised awareness around safety measures and the importance of intervention in abusive situations.
Plans for Memorial
Hoanie’s family is planning to hold a traditional wake ceremony in her home village as they mourn her unexpected passing. In addition, they have initiated a fundraiser to cover funeral expenses, reflecting the urgent need for support during this challenging time.
Having graduated from high school in May 2023, Hoanie, affectionately nicknamed “Po-Vee,” had a promising future ahead of her. Her family’s aim in publicizing the circumstances of her death is to encourage discussions about domestic violence and to advocate for those in similar situations who may feel trapped.
Conclusion
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting remains ongoing as community members and leaders come together to address the critical issue of domestic violence. As the family grapples with the loss of a beloved daughter and friend, their hope for positive change in awareness and prevention continues to grow.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- AZ Family: Woman Killed in Domestic Violence Shooting Remembered
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- 12 News: Family Mourns Woman Killed in Domestic Violence Shooting
- Google Search: Domestic Violence Awareness
- MSN: Payson Police Man Shoots Kills Woman in Car with Toddler Inside
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic Violence
- WLBT: Mother Grieves Daughter Killed in Domestic Violence Shooting
- Google News: Domestic Violence Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
