Mistaken identity may have led to fatal shooting of 15-year-old girl, police say
She was a passenger in a vehicle when shot early Tuesday in Martindale
Calgary police are looking into whether the deadly shooting of a 15-year-old girl in Martindale this week was the result of mistaken identity.
"Evidence from the scene leads police to believe that this was a targeted shooting," police said in a statement Wednesday.
"However, we are still working to determine if the occupants of the vehicle were the intended targets or if this was a tragic case of mistaken identity."
Officers were called to the 200 block of Martin Crossing Crescent N.E. at about 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday for reports of a shooting in an alley.
The girl was in the passenger seat of a vehicle on the 300 block of Martindale Drive when she was shot, investigators said. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle did not sustain physical injuries.
Police say they've received several tips from the public as they investigate and work to develop a description of the suspect.
Following an autopsy, police identified Sarah Alexis Jorquera, 15, of Calgary as the person killed in the shooting.
"This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of a young girl," said Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta.
"At this point, we have more questions than answers and are working around the clock to hold those responsible accountable. Losing a 15-year-old is a tragic loss for our community, her school, her friends and, most importantly, her family. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to come forward."
Jorquera was a student at Crescent Heights High School, according to the Calgary Board of Education (CBE).
CBE sent a message to the school community on Wednesday, stating that counsellors would be available through its critical incident response team for students needing support when they return from spring break.
"Our thoughts are with Sarah's family at this difficult time," the board said in a statement.
Police say they are looking for dashcam footage from the Martindale area around the time of the shooting and are urging people with information to contact authorities or Crime Stoppers.