Mother of Three Slain at Wheel of Car in Santa Ana

A couple driving to pick up a friend early Monday were attacked on a dark street by several armed men, one of whom fired a single gunshot that killed a 30-year-old mother of three, police said.

Maria Lourdes Zazueta was pronounced dead at UCI Medical Center in Orange shortly after 2 a.m. She had been shot in the chest, authorities said.

“We don’t know anything. We don’t know why or what for,” said Victor Bermudez, the victim’s brother-in-law.

“And how to tell her children? We don’t know what to do.”

The shooting in the 1700 block of North Bush Street near the Santa Ana Freeway occurred as Zazueta and a male companion, whose name was not released, turned onto the street and were quickly approached by a young man, Sgt. Dan Beaumarchais said.

Suspecting they were about to be robbed, Zazueta’s companion, whom police called her boyfriend, told her to drive away. As she did, the young man and at least two accomplices who had been hiding in the shadows started to chase the car, Beaumarchais said.

One shot was fired, hitting Zazueta. Her companion scrambled to take her place behind the wheel and sped away, police said. He reportedly drove half a mile to Bristol Street and Washington Avenue, where he flagged down a police officer for help.

The shooting is being handled by police as a gang-related homicide, although detectives said neither victim is affiliated with gangs. Robbery is the most likely motive, Beaumarchais said:

“It sounds like they just saw an opportunity for a quick robbery and they went for it. It’s a little strange that they would chase the car and fire a round like that, but that’s all we really have so far to go on.”

Police believe witnesses are reluctant to come forward, fearing gang retaliation. The two-block area just north of 17th Street is a hangout for gang members, Beaumarchais said.

Neighbors of two Bush Street apartment buildings said they heard gunfire early Monday and one man said he notified police.

“I heard one shot and then tires squealing,” said the man, who did not want his name used. “I try to call any time I hear gunfire, even though I never see anything.”

The friend Zazueta and her companion were on their way to pick up could not provide a description of the attackers, police said. Zazueta’s companion told detectives the assailants “said something” to the couple as they approached but police would not elaborate.

“It’s unclear to us,” Beaumarchais said. “And we’re not getting much help.”

Zazueta, who tended bar part time to help support her sons, ages 11, 6 and 4, shared a home with her mother in the 300 block of North Laurel Street, where relatives gathered Monday to learn more about the shooting.

Although they rarely questioned Zazueta about her activities outside the home, family members said she had been dating a married man whom they only knew by his first name. They said she had received threats over the yearlong relationship, but police said they don’t believe the shooting is linked to it.