Authorities in Santa Ana say they are still searching for two suspects connected to a drive-by shooting that killed an innocent woman who was caught in the crossfire nearly three years ago. Investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward as the case remains open.
Shooting
The shooting occurred on Dec. 4, 2022, shortly before 4:30 p.m. in the 1400 block of South Cypress Street. According to the Santa Ana Police Department, suspects driving a Toyota Camry spotted two teenage boys in the area and stopped the vehicle.
Surveillance video shows a passenger opening fire toward the teens as bystanders nearby ducked and ran for cover. Police believe the teens were the intended targets, though neither was injured.
Instead, Maria Del Refugio Mora, 36, was struck in the torso. Mora, a mother of three, was in the area with her husband and her 3-year-old son when the shooting occurred. She was taken to a hospital in critical condition and died five days later from her injuries.
Suspects
Police say at least four people were inside the Toyota Camry at the time of the shooting. Investigators identified Mark Remmers and Brooke De La Cruz as suspects. De La Cruz was driving the vehicle, according to police.
Two additional unidentified male suspects were seen exiting the rear passenger seats during the shooting. Authorities say those two individuals remain at large.
Remmers, who was 19 at the time, and De La Cruz, who was 24, were located and arrested in the city of Orange on Dec. 15, 2022. Police said the motive was believed to be gang-related, though the investigation is ongoing.
Investigation
Detectives continue to search for the remaining suspects and are reviewing evidence related to the case. Police have not released additional details about the identities of the two men still being sought.
Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin said at the time that the killing underscored the devastating impact of gang violence on innocent families.
The Santa Ana Police Department is asking anyone with information about the shooting or the remaining suspects to contact the department’s Homicide Section.
How to Help
Anyone with information is asked to call the Santa Ana Police Department Homicide Section at 714-245-8390. Anonymous tips can be submitted to OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-6227 or online at occrimestoppers.org.
FAQs
When did the Santa Ana shooting occur?
The shooting happened on Dec. 4, 2022.
Who was killed in the shooting?
Maria Del Refugio Mora, a 36-year-old mother of three.
Were the intended targets injured?
No, the two teens were not shot.
How many suspects are still wanted?
Two male suspects remain at large.
How can the public provide tips?
By calling police or contacting OC Crime Stoppers anonymously.
