CASA GRANDE, AZ — Police are investigating a shooting in Casa Grande that left two people dead.
At about 8:30 p.m. Sunday, police responded to a call of shots fired at the Sonoran Apartments, on Pottebaum Avenue.
When Casa Grande police officers arrived people were giving aid to a victim inside of a car. Police say she had an unknown number of gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. She has been identified as 18-year-old Leslie Cota.
A second victim, a 17-year-old girl identified by family as Danielle Murrieta, was located directly behind the vehicle and also had an unknown number of gunshot wounds. She was flown to a Valley hospital where she died, police said.
There is no description of the suspect(s) at this time.
"Please come forward, tell what you know. Not just for my daughter, but for the young lady that also passed because their family deserves answers as much as we do," said Janie Murrieta, Danielle's mother. "I'm numb. I don't understand why any of this could happen. She had a beautiful heart inside and out."
After interviewing witnesses, detectives believe a silver/gray newer model Chrysler 300 was involved and may have been driven by the suspect or served as a getaway car. The car was said to have a tinted windshield, stock chrome rims and minor damage to the driver's side, such as scuff marks.
Nearly 30 9mm casings were located near the victim's vehicle, detectives said.
A motive remains unclear and it’s also unknown if the two victims were the intended target.
The investigation remains ongoing.
If you have any information contact Detective T. Ellsworth at Tellsworth@casagrandeaz.gov or (520) 421-8711 ext. 6294. You can also contact Silent Witness to remain anonymous.
