The 42-year-old was shot near Yorba Street as police searched for a fleeing suspect.
TUSTIN, Calif. — Relatives identified the woman killed in a Thursday evening shooting in Tustin as Sandra Rodriguez, 42, a single mother whose death has prompted a police search for an unknown gunman.
The shooting happened just after 6 p.m. near Yorba Street and Medford Avenue, according to police accounts cited in local reports. Officers arrived after several people called 911 about gunfire and found Rodriguez fatally wounded. The killing has shaken relatives who said they do not know why she was targeted.
Investigators said Rodriguez was walking to her vehicle when she was shot. Witnesses reported seeing a man dressed in black leave the area in an older-model, dark-colored sedan. Police said the shooting appeared to be isolated, but they had not released a motive or named a suspect by Saturday. Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members described Rodriguez as a mother working to care for her children. Her death moved the case from an unidentified homicide to a personal loss for relatives and friends. One relative told reporters the family did not know anyone who would have done this. Police have not said whether they believe the gunman waited for Rodriguez or followed her before the attack.
The area where Rodriguez was killed sits near a well-traveled Tustin corridor, with homes and businesses nearby. Detectives spent Thursday night gathering evidence, checking the scene and looking for video that could show the suspect or the car. Officials have not released details about shell casings, a weapon or whether any nearby cars or buildings were struck.
The next steps are procedural and investigative. Police must identify the suspect, determine whether the shooting was planned and present evidence to prosecutors before any charges can be filed. As of Saturday, May 16, no arrest had been announced. Authorities continued asking witnesses and anyone with security footage from the area to help fill gaps in the timeline.
The killing left relatives grieving while investigators worked behind police tape. Neighbors described a sudden burst of violence in a place where many people were ending their workday. The street became a crime scene within minutes, with officers marking evidence and keeping people away from the block while detectives began the homicide investigation.
Rodriguez’s death remained under investigation Saturday, and police had not announced when they would release another public update.
Author note: Last updated Saturday, May 16, 2026.