San Antonio police are still investigating an alleged hit-and-run that occurred on January 11, and took the life of a mother of five. Ashley Lopez, 28, was reportedly struck and killed by a woman operating a vehicle, who has been identified as 36-year-old Pennie Gomez. The incident occurred during an alleged street fight involving Lopez's 11-year-old daughter.
The victim's family said Lopez was protecting her daughter from bullies who showed up at their home on the evening of January 11, KENS 5 reported. “My granddaughter was being bullied from kids from school,” Lopez’s mother, Ana Blanco, told the news outlet.
Lopez reportedly stepped in to defend her daughter when a fight started outside her home.
As the skirmish escalated, Gomez reportedly got into her silver Hyundai Sonata and plowed into the crowd. Several witnesses at the scene said the suspect struck two women, killing Lopez and injuring the other, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the outlet.
"People were hitting the car, telling her stop and that [Lopez] was under there and she wouldn't stop," Blanco said.
The grieving mother said Gomez continued driving after the two women were pinned underneath the vehicle, dragging their bodies for several feet before she fled the scene. Authorities say they recovered cellphone footage from the scene that confirms the witness statements.
Lopez's family said the mother of five had no prior relationship with the suspect.
Blanco and Lopez's sister-in-law, Andrea Mata, believe Gomez's daughter was living at Lopez's home at the time of the hit-and-run, per KENS 5
"To our recollection, [Lopez and Gomez] were not fighting. There was nothing between them, no bad blood," said Mata.
"Why would you do this?" Blanco said in an interview with the outlet.
Now, the family is demanding justice for the slain mother of five, and family members plan to attend court hearings to learn more about what led to Lopez's untimely death.
The family has raised money through fundraisers to help cover Lopez's funeral costs.
On Saturday, they partnered with the vice president of 'It's God's Motorcycle Ministry' to host a plate sale in Benevides Park in San Antonio.
"God forgives you but we would say that to go to God. Ask him for forgiveness so that you can have peace within yourself," said Gerardo "Big G" Flores.
The family also confirmed another fundraiser will be held this Saturday in San Antonio by selling barbecue plates for $10 each.
They have also provided their CashApp, $sillme, for anyone who may want to donate toward the funeral expenses.
Authorities revealed details regarding an investigation into Gomez.
According to the New York Post, Gomez was wanted on unrelated charges. On Thursday, authorities issued multiple warrants for her arrest on charges of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Gomez also faces charges of drug possession.
