2 arrested after California mother of 3 reportedly shot dead by stray bullet

SANTA ANA, Calif. (TCD) -- Two people have been arrested after a stray bullet in a gang-related shooting reportedly killed a 36-year-old mother of three.

According to a news release from the Santa Ana Police Department, on Sunday, Dec. 4, at approximately 4:27 p.m., officers responded to a parking lot on South Main Street, where they found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to her upper torso. The victim, later identified as Maria Del Refugio, was reportedly transported to a hospital in critical condition.

Several days later, on Friday, Dec. 9, police said Refugio succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.

Upon further investigation, it was reportedly determined that two people in a white sedan reportedly shot toward two juveniles. The intended victims allegedly ran into the parking lot and gunshots continued. According to police, the juveniles were not harmed, but Refugio, "an innocent bystander," was hit.

Moments before the fatal shooting, the victim was allegedly grabbing something to eat with her family at a pizzeria before attending mass.

Investigators were reportedly able to identify the suspects, Mark Remmers, 19, and Brooke De La Cruz, 24, through the white sedan by "analyzing surveillance, interviews, and investigative resources."

The two suspects were taken into custody in the city of Orange on Thursday, Dec. 15, according to police.

In a press conference, police said Remmers was known to be involved with gangs throughout Orange County.

Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin said, "It is through the collaborative efforts of our Homicide Unit, Major Enforcement Team, VICE Unit, and Career Criminal Unit that these two arrests were possible. The collateral killing of an innocent bystander, a mother of three, by a gang-related shooting should never happen in our communities, especially during the holiday season. Our deepest condolences go out to the victim’s family, particularly to her three children, who will have to spend this and every other holiday without a mother."

MORE:

• SAPD Detectives Arrest Two Homicide Suspects — Santa Ana Police Department