Car Wash Fundraiser Held For 9-Year-Old Anaheim Shooting Victim
ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com) — A car wash was held Friday to raise money for the family of a 9-year-old girl fatally shot in front of her Anaheim home earlier this week.
"I know how hard it is to try to raise money for the funerals and all that so I'm just trying to help," Jhonna Ojeda said.
The fundraiser, first held at the Calimex Market in Anaheim and later moved to a nearby bowling alley due to popularity, benefits the family of Ximena Meza. She was killed Wednesday evening while playing with friends in the 2300 block of West Greenacre Avenue.
Neighbors reported that they heard three or four gunshots before they ran out to assist the girl lying on the sidewalk.
No arrests have been made, and authorities don't believe Meza was the intended target. Officials did say, however, that the area has been claimed by a local gang.
"This is the number one priority for the Anaheim Police Department," Chief Raul Quezada said Thursday night at a community meeting.
The Anaheim Police Association has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Family and friends have set up a memorial on the Meza family's front lawn with rose pedals, candles, flowers, stuffed animals and cards in her honor.
"I just want to thank this whole community for coming together and helping us heal during this difficult time," a Meza family member said.
An online effort has raised more than $6,000 for funeral arrangements. Click here to access Ximena's Funeral Fund.
"I have one daughter the same age, 9 years old, so this hits close to home, yes very close," patron Erica Visoso said.
For more information about Big Buddah's Lounge in Fullerton, click here,
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