A Phoenix mother, Martha Adrianna Alejo, is dead after she was caught in a barrage of gunfire. Several other innocent bystanders were also in the direct line of fire, but no one else was injured.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, officers were called to the area of 7th Avenue and Pima Road about a person shot Wednesday night at around 8 p.m. When they got there, they found the 32-year-old Alejo suffering from a gunshot wound to 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.
Witnesses tell investigators a car stopped in front of the business and started firing shots at the people in line. The car then took off southbound on 7th Avenue. The suspects remain on the loose. Detectives do not believe Alejo was the intended target.
Investigators from several units are working together to gather evidence, talk with witnesses and follow up on every lead they uncover.
“We know that violent crime in our city has been on the rise. No one should have to worry about being shot as they stand in line for food. And no child should have to see their mother gunned down for no reason,” said Commander Warren Brewer, head of Phoenix Police Department’s Violent Crimes Bureau.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Phoenix Police Department, or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-TESTIGO for Spanish Speakers) if they wish to remain anonymous.