Family of woman killed in San Francisco drive-by shooting asks for witnesses

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A San Francisco woman's family is pleading for anyone who knows anything about who killed her to come forward.

The family of a mother of three who was shot to death in the Bayview District nearly seven months ago is pleading for the public to step forward and help police catch her killer. No arrests have been made. Police say they do have some leads and they are still investigating, but they need the public's help.

Fourteen-year-old Brianna Soza's mother was killed following a barrage of gunshots.

"I really love her as a mother. She loved everyone," Brianna Soza said Tuesday during a news new conference.

The afternoon of Jan. 27 near Ingalls Street and Revere Avenue, Maria Soza, a 36-year-old mother and bystander, was killed in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting. She was murdered as her children played outside their home.

Her grieving father and his family Tuesday pleaded for witnesses to come forward and help police find her killer.

"She was running to her children to protect her children when this happened," Jose Soza, the victim's father said through a translator.

Shawn Richard who founded Brothers Against Guns says those who have information may be reluctant to come forward.

"They don't want to talk about it only because they're afraid to get involved and lose their lives," Richard said.

Police believe the barrage of shots came from a Dodge Ram pickup and that the shooter was firing at an SUV. Inside that car, one man was killed and a female passenger was wounded. Police quickly cordoned off the area but the killers got away.

A police source said the shooting was gang-related.

Those details don't matter to the Soza family.

"I just want to find the person who shot my mom and I want justice for my mom," Brianna Soza said.