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Pregnant woman killed in Mattawa identified

Herald Staff Writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 13 years, 7 months AGO
by Herald Staff WriterRyan Lancaster
| February 16, 2012 5:00 AM

MATTAWA - Grant County sheriff's investigators released the name of a pregnant woman shot and killed in Mattawa.

Esperanza Vicente-Mestizo, 28, died along with her unborn child, Baby Boy Vicente-Mestizo, after she was shot in the torso outside her apartment complex on Third Place at about 11 p.m. Saturday, according to Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison.

Grant County Sheriff's Office investigators say Vicente-Mestizo was reportedly unloading groceries from her car when someone opened fire on her from the parking lot of her apartment complex before fleeing on foot.

"This was not a drive-by shooting and we don't know if the shooting is gang-involved," stated Grant County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Ryan Rectenwald. "We currently have no suspects and we are asking the public for help identifying the shooter."

Neither the victim or her live-in boyfriend of 11 years have gang ties, Rectenwald said; adding the couple was responsible for three children, as well as the unborn baby.

The boyfriend, who was reportedly home at the time of the shooting, is not considered to be a suspect, Rectenwald said.

Detectives are not releasing any further details.

No witnesses have come forward, and Rectenwald urged anyone with potential information to share it with authorities.

"Any information, no matter how small it may seem, is important to us," he stated. "This is an extremely sad incident since this shooting claimed not only a 28-year-old woman, but her unborn child as well. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victim's family and friends. Detectives are working hard on this case and hope information from the public can help."

Anyone with possible information is asked to call the Grant County Sheriff's Office at 509-762-1160, or send information to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

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