Pregnant Woman Killed in Drive-by Shooting Was Going to a Party With Her Father | “She Was So Happy”
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Pregnant Woman Killed in Drive-by Shooting Was Going to a Party With Her Father | “She Was So Happy”
The Californian woman was headed to a birthday party with her dad when she was shot.
Cover Image Source: GoFundMe
ByTavishi
January 11, 2023
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A pregnant California woman was shot and killed just a few days before New Year's as she was heading out to a birthday party with her father. The 25-year-old was shot to death in Artesia as she was seated beside her father who was in the driving seat. Marissa Perez was in the front passenger seat when a car at the intersection of Pioneer and Artesia boulevard pulled up around their car and shot the would-be mother several times before fleeing the scene. According to ABC7, the father was driving to pick up a cake for the birthday party.
The family of the young woman who was due to give birth to her child in the month of June is distraught and believes this was not a random act. The shooting happened at around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 29, which was just a few days before the New Year.
Speaking to reporters, Marissa’s mother, Sandra Tolentino, shared that her beloved daughter was shot several times, including once in the head. "She was 25. She was about to be a mother in five more months. She was so happy," said the grieving mother who never imagined her daughter would depart from her so soon.
Image Source: Facebook | ABC7
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told ABC7 that investigators do not believe this was a random act and they are investigating the case for more clues. As the search for the anonymous shooter continues, people came out to mourn for the young, jolly woman at the intersection where she took her last breath. "She always cared for so many people. Her heart was literally on her sleeve every day," Tolentino added, as she misses her young deceased daughter.
Image Source: Facebook | ABC7
"She should have never been taken from us that way. She still had such a life ahead of her and it kills me that we won't be able to have that next chapter," the grief-stricken mom said, expressing her agony over her daughter’s untimely death. “Don't hold grudges and just love, love so hard because you just never know when will be the last time to say goodbye," she said in her concluding statement about the void loved ones leave when they depart without saying goodbyes.
Pregnant Calif. Woman Killed in Drive-By Shooting on her Way to a Party with Her Dad https://t.co/RQLArYTDH0
The GoFundMe link for Marissa’s funeral reads: “Marissa was the most loving daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. Marissa was expecting the biggest blessing, a baby in June. Anyone who knew Marissa knew she was the most loyal, loving, outgoing, and strongest person.” The sheriff's department has not released a description of the suspect or suspects.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the LASD homicide bureau at 323-890-5500.
