BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA) — A Bradenton woman was shot and killed while coming home from the grocery store Tuesday in what was reportedly the second shooting of the night.
The first incident was reported around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, according to the Bradenton Police Department.
Officers said someone fired at least 10 shots, damaging several homes and vehicles along 8th Avenue East. It’s unclear what the motive may have been.
A second shooting reportedly happened around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, just a few blocks away on 15th Avenue East. That time, 43-year-old Yolanda Baxcajay-Flores was caught in the crossfire.
According to police, more than 30 shots were fired in the area. Baxcajay-Flores was arriving home from grocery shopping and was struck by some of the bullets while still in her car, officials reported.
Responding officers provided emergency aid until EMS arrived and took Baxcajay-Flores to a local hospital. Authorities said she succumbed to her injuries overnight.
Investigators said they were able to confirm that Baxcajay-Flores was not the intended victim.
Detectives worked through Tuesday night to gather more information about possible suspects and vehicles involved in the shootings.
As of Wednesday morning, the police department said the investigation was still ongoing. No further information was immediately available.
Loved ones gathered in prayer outside the victim’s home Wednesday.
“She was a single mom for over 15 years. She was hard-working, she was a great citizen in the community, everyone knew her,” said the victim’s oldest daughter.
The family created a memorial in the mother of four’s honor and also created a GoFundMe page to help cover her funeral costs and other expenses.
“I hope who did this gets caught. I pray on it every time that I can,” said the victim’s daughter Joanna.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Brian Sands at brian.sands@bradentonpd.com or 941-932-9312 or Det. Jeff Beckley at jeff.beckley@bradentonpd.com or 941-932-9356.
Tips can be made anonymously to Crime Stoppers at manateecrimestoppers.com. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to an arrest.
This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.