The mom-of-two was killed in her own driveway while her husband and kids were sleeping soundly at home.
Two little boys in Florida wanted to wish their mother on Mother's Day in 2021 with cards that they drew for her. However, they never got to give it to her as she never made it home. The Orange County mom, Roxana Sanchez, 36, was shot right outside her home, and she succumbed to the wounds.
A 17-year-old teen boy has been arrested for the murder. He is facing charges of first-degree murder with a gun and attempted first-degree murder with a gun in the death of the 36-year-old. The sheriff’s office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement worked together to arrest the suspect. Another suspect is wanted in the case.
Roxana was fatally shot outside her home in Orange County around 12:30 am on May 8. "My sister was the most caring person. She loved everyone," Sanchez's sister, Yahaira Viado, said at a press conference, according to People. "She lived for her husband and the two kids. That's all she would talk about. … You took her from us way too soon, she wasn't doing anything to you. Just know that you left two young boys without a mom right before Mother's Day. They made all these cards for her that they never got to give to her," added Yahaira.
The mom-of-two and a friend had pulled up outside the former's home after midnight. They had been followed by two men, who blocked their way by parking their car right behind the woman's car.
The 36-year-old and her friend had just gone shopping and for dinner. They were "just talking, having a good time, just minding their own business," Orange County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Joe Covelli said at the press conference. "They were pulled into the driveway of the victim's residence, they're just talking, and a car comes up behind them," Joe said. "Two Black males get out, approach the victims on both sides of the car and bang on the car telling them to get out. The driver, in fear, put the car into reverse, striking the suspects' car — not severe, but enough to have a little bit of scuff marks on there. The passenger suspect ended up started shooting and that's the side that Roxana was sitting on," he added.
Roxana was taken to a hospital where she passed away. The deputies investigating the case said that they are looking for a second person for her murder. People with information can call Crimeline and callers may be eligible for a $10,000 reward, as per Click Orlando.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Roxana's sister to help her family pay for the medical and funeral expenses. She leaves behind her husband of 15 years, Douglas Mejia, and two kids, Edward, 11, and Antonio, 8.
"A selfless, most caring person that I know who made everyone feel they are part of her family...She had an infectious smile and always had the best advice. She changed our lives and helped us out whenever she could. She was senselessly shot and killed on her driveway while her husband and kids were sound asleep," added Yahaira. "They just killed her without thinking leaving two small kids without a loving and caring mother, a husband without the love of his life, sisters without the glue that holds the family together, and the best daughter a parent could have," she added.
References:
https://people.com/crime/florida-mom-killed-carjacking-returning-with-friend-night-out/
https://www.gofundme.com/f/paying-tribute-to-roxana-sanchez?
Cover image source: (L)Orange County Sheriff's office (R)GoFundMe
