An investigation was underway Wednesday into the death of a 55-year-old woman struck by a stray bullet while driving past a gang shootout in Escondido.
Catherine Kennedy of Escondido was found with a gunshot wound to her head after her silver Toyota Camry crashed into a vehicle parked alongside eastbound Grand Avenue near Midway Drive shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday, according to Escondido police Lt. Justin Murphy. Investigators believe she had been struck by a stray bullet fired by one of at least two gang members shooting at each other.
The victim had been on her way home from church at the time, according to news reports.
Kennedy was taken to Palomar Medical Center after the shooting, but later died from her injuries.
Murphy said a suspect has yet to be identified. A description of the shooter was not immediately available.
Grand Avenue was closed between Rose Street and Midway Drive while officers investigated, and a SigAlert was issued, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Anyone with information on the case was asked to call detectives at (760) 839-4926 or (760) 839-4422. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling (760) 743-8477.
–City News Service
