HOUSTON — A grieving east Houston family has no idea why a well-liked, 52-year-old grandmother of three would be the target of gun violence.
Eleticia Rios Cano Martinez was shot and killed in her own driveway Wednesday night.
“She was loved by many. She didn’t have any enemies. We’re still trying to wrap our heads around it,” says Roxanne Martinez, the victim’s daughter.
Houston police say Martinez was shot several times, Wednesday night around 9:30 in her own driveway, at the corner of Harbor and Anzac.
Investigators say no witnesses have come forward saying they saw what happened, but that neighbors did hear gunshots.
They came outside to find Martinez laying on the ground.
Martinez’s family says she had just arrived home from visiting other relatives, and was unlocking the gate to the driveway when someone opened fire.
“She had left her car open and on, with her purse inside, while opening the gate, so we don’t think it’s a robbery,” the daughter tells KHOU.
Houston ISD says Martinez was a volunteer teacher’s aide at Raul Martinez Elementary school for 22 years.
The school is located just down the block from where she lives. It’s where her own two kids were enrolled and grandchildren currently attend.
The district says grief counselors were there Thursday to help the children and staff cope with the sudden loss. Former students say they are in shock by her violent death.
“She was like a very nice lady. She was always happy, with a smile,” says Giannah Soriano.
Soriano’s sister Julissa added, “For this to happen to her, it’s sad.”
Police are reviewing surveillance video from a business next door, which will hopefully provide clues as to pulled the trigger.
“We just want justice for her,” says Martinez’s daughter.
Call Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS if you have any information.
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