Dozens of people brought their vehicles to a fundraising car wash Friday to help pay funeral expenses for a 9-year-old girl who was fatally shot while playing with her sisters and other children in front of an apartment complex.
Ximena Meza was shot about 7:15 p.m. Wednesday as she was playing in front of the complex in the 2300 block of West Greenacre Avenue. The Anaheim Police Department is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the person who fired the fatal shots. The police officers’ union is offering an additional $5,000.
Today’s fundraising car wash started at one location on Brookhurst Street, but so many people showed up — with cars lining up in the street — that it was moved outside a bowling alley nearby.
“I know how hard it is to try to raise money for it, funerals and all that, so I’m just trying to help,” family friend Jhonna Ojeda told KCAL9.
The killing of Ximena has prompted an outpouring of support from the community. A memorial at the shooting scene grew throughout the day, with balloons, Teddy bears and flowers. Hundreds of people attended a community meeting held by police Thursday night.
Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada told the crowd that finding the killer was the department’s top priority.
There are conflicting witness accounts about where the gunfire erupted. Witnesses told investigators they heard a shooting, saw some likely suspects running and a vehicle speeding away, Anaheim police Lt. Bob Dunn said.
It’s possible it was a drive-by shooting, or the shooter was on foot and then jumped into a getaway vehicle, Dunn said.
Anyone with more information was urged to call Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIPOCCS. Anonymous tips are welcome.
— City News Service