Lylliana Mendoza, a 35-year-old woman of Puerto Rican ethnicity, was tragically killed on July 12, 2017, in Philadelphia, PA. She was sitting in a vehicle outside her home on Lawrence Street in the Fairhill section of North Philadelphia when she was shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting. Her stepdaughter, 19-year-old Aslemarie Torres, was also killed in the attack.
Mendoza had been a victim of domestic violence for about three years prior to her death.
She lived with a man who she insisted was just a roommate, but her family noticed bruises on her body and suspected abuse. Despite seeking help and speaking to a therapist, Mendoza felt stuck and afraid to leave due to threats from her abuser.
The investigation into Mendoza's death revealed that the shooting was likely a case of mistaken identity. The family believes that the shooters targeted the wrong vehicle, as the truck Mendoza was driving wasn't hers and had tinted windows, making it difficult to see who was inside. No arrests have been made in connection with the case, and the investigation remains open.
Mendoza's family has been vocal about seeking justice for her and Torres. They have urged anyone with information to come forward and help solve the case. The loss of Lylliana Mendoza has left a significant impact on her loved ones, who remember her as a caring and supportive sister and mother.
