Accident – death – Obituary News :

Two Orange Men Arrested in Shooting death of Santa Ana Woman

On December 18, 2022, it marked one year since the tragic incident that led to the death of Maria Del Rufugio Mora, a 36-year-old mother of three from Santa Ana. Two young men from Orange have now been arrested in connection with her shooting, which occurred during a drive-by shooting targeting two teenagers. The Santa Ana Police Department confirmed the arrests and provided details about the case.

Details of the Incident

The shooting took place in a parking lot located at 1473 S. Main St. on December 4 at approximately 4:30 p.m. Responding officers discovered Maria Del Rufugio Mora with a gunshot wound to her upper body. She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries and passed away on December 9.

According to the Santa Ana Police Department, the intended targets of the drive-by shooting were two teenagers who were being pursued by suspects in a white-colored sedan. As the teenagers sought refuge in the parking lot, Maria Del Rufugio Mora was tragically struck by gunfire. Fortunately, the two boys escaped unharmed.

Possible Gang-Related Motive

While the investigation is still ongoing, authorities believe that the motive behind the shooting could be gang-related. Detectives are actively exploring all leads and evidence to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Through a thorough follow-up investigation, which involved analyzing surveillance footage and conducting interviews, law enforcement was able to identify the white sedan as a Toyota Camry. As a result, the police arrested two individuals on Sunday, Mark Remmers, 19, and Brooke De La Cruz, 24, in connection with the shooting.

Arrests and Recovery of the Vehicle

Both Remmers and De La Cruz were apprehended on Thursday. Mark Remmers was arrested in the 2100 block of Newport Boulevard in Costa Mesa, while Brooke De La Cruz was taken into custody in the 500 block of South Hill Street in Orange. The white Toyota Camry, which was allegedly used during the drive-by shooting, was also recovered by authorities.

Appeal for Information

The SAPD’s Homicide Section is urging anyone with information regarding this tragic incident to come forward. They are seeking the cooperation of the community in bringing justice to Maria Del Rufugio Mora and her grieving family. If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please contact the Santa Ana Police Department at 714-245-8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227.

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