Mother killed in Phoenix drive-by shooting while waiting in line for food
PHOENIX - Police officials in Phoenix are investigating a deadly drive-by shooting on May 4 that killed a mother in front of her son.
The shooting reportedly happened in an area south of 7th Avenue and Buckeye Road. According to a statement released by police on May 5, officers were called out to the area at around 8:00 p.m., and when they arrived at the scene, they found a woman, identified as 32-year-old Adrianna Alejo, shot in the chest.
"Alejo was standing in line waiting for food with her pre-teen son when the shooting took place. Several others were also in line," read a portion of the statement.
According to police, a car stopped in front of that business, and started firing shots at the people waiting in line. That car later took off, heading south on 7th Avenue.
"The suspects remain on the loose. Detectives do not believe Alejo was the intended target," read a portion of the statement.
Alejo was taken to the hospital, where she later died.
No arrests have been made.
Family members remember victim
"She's a hero to me," said the victim's brother, Adrian Alejo.
At 1:00 a.m., Adrian got the call about the shooting. He drove up to Phoenix from Tucson, not knowing what to expect.
"They called me and told me I needed to come here as soon as possible. They wouldn't tell me why," said Adrian. "Then they said she had gotten shot. I didn't know what to do/ I didn't believe it. I just came here, and it became reality."
The victim leaves behind two kids, one of whom is 12, and the other is 11.
"I still didn't want to believe it, and I still don't believe it until I actually see her," said Adrian. "It hasn't hit me yet."
As the investigation continues, the family wants answers.
"We just want the truth. We want justice," said Adrian.
Anyone with information should leave an anonymous tip by calling Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. Spanish speakers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Testigo Silencioso at 480-TESTIGO.
Si tiene alguna información sobre este caso, llame a la línea de Testigo Silencioso (480-TESTIGO, 480-837-8446).
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