Mother Killed by Stray Gunfire in Santa Paula

Police said the shooting may have been gang-related

A mother who was in the carport of her Ventura County home was fatally struck by a stray bullet during what may have been a gang-related shooting, police said.

Officers responded around 1 p.m. Saturday to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 1200 block of High Street, according to a news release from the Santa Paula Police Department.

When officers arrived they found Norma Elizalde, 39, suffering from a gunshot wound to her neck. CPR was given to Elizalde, who later died of her injuries.

Officers learned that an altercation took place between two people and another pair passing by in a dark-colored sedan. The suspects got out of the car and fired a handgun during the fight, entering Elizalde’s residence and striking the woman in the neck, officials said.

"She was minding her own business in the carport area of her residence when a stray bullet went through the residence and out a side door where she was sitting at and struck her," said Santa Paula Police Lt Ish Cordero.

The four individuals involved in the fight, who may be gang members, were sought by police.

"It's been a treacherous road right now. Unexpected and it hurts everywhere you turn," said Elizalde’s brother, Nicolas Ramos. "Those that do know something, please step forward. Let the information be known. We need it. It was a cowardice act."

Elizalde leaves behind two sons, ages 16 and 13.

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