Victoria Barrios was identified as the woman shot and killed in the 500 block of East Pine Street last Friday just after midnight.
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At a press conference at the police department, the victim's mother made a tearful plea for information leading to her daughter's killer.
"Please put yourselves in our position. I lost my baby. Someone left her there to die in the street like an animal," said Eva Barrios.
Surveillance video shows the suspected shooter hanging out the back of a newer red or maroon full size SUV. Police did not have a description of the driver or shooter.
The shooting left a 17-year-old boy in serious condition and a third person unharmed.
"Because of what was said just prior to the shooting incident the investigation is classified as a gang-related homicide," said Chief David Valentin with the Santa Ana Police Department.
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Investigators say Barrios was not a gang member and not the intended target of the shooting. A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the murder case.
Her family says Barrios, the youngest of two girls, was looking forward to a career in criminal justice.
"I need to and want to face the so-called human being that took a part of my life that I will never get back again. So please, just please call," said Barrios.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Ana Police Department tip line at (714) 245-8390. Callers can remain anonymous.