Grant Co. Sheriff's Office Looking For Suspects in Killing of Pregnant Woman and Unborn Baby
Esperanza Vicente Mestizo
The Grant County Sheriff's Office is hoping for a lead in a weekend shooting that killed a pregnant Mattawa woman and her unborn child. Authorities have now identified the victim as 28 year old Esperanza Vicente Mestizo.
We are getting our first look tonight at Esperanza Vicente Mestizo, the 28 year old woman, 7 and a half months pregnant, who was shot and killed outside this apartment Saturday night. A couple of blocks away, convenience store worker Alicia Olivares remembers Vicente Mestizo coming into the store, and is stunned by her death.
"Who would do that, I don't know, it's just too much, to kill a pregnant woman," says Olivares.
The Grant County Sheriff's Office says around 11 p.m. Saturday night, the woman was unloading groceries from her car near she was shot. Today investigators are interviewing family and friends, including the victim's boyfriend for clues, but at this point have no leads, no suspects and no motive.
"We're having issues with trying to find witnesses that would be able to identify a suspect," says Chief Deputy Ryan Rectenwald.
The Grant County Sheriff's Office has not determined if the shooting is gang related, and is asking anyone with information to come forward.
Meantime, Mexican stores in Mattawa are trying to help the family raise money for funeral expenses, and residents like Alicia Olivares are vowing to not be scared off by the violence.
"We can't be afraid of coming out, of the house, we have to keep on with our lives you know?" says Olivarez.
If you have any information, contact the Grant County Sheriff's Office by phone: 509-762-1160. You can also send an anonymous tip through email to this address: crimetips@co.grant.wa.us.