California Mom Fatally Shot Confronting Teens Over Alleged Vape Sale to Her Child

A California mother of eight, identified as Maria Guadalupe Ramos Velasco, 33, was fatally shot in Oakland on August 7 while reportedly confronting individuals she believed were selling marijuana vape pens to her child.

The incident took place near the intersection of Hilton Street and Bancroft Avenue in Oakland.

Confrontation with Suspected Sellers

Earlier that day, Maria and her mother, Blanca Velasco, saw a Toyota parked near their residence and suspected the occupants of selling marijuana vape pens to one of Maria's children. The duo decided to confront the occupants and ask them to refrain from coming to their house, as reported by the news outlet.

Maria and her mother were in Velasco's Toyota RAV4 at the time of the incident. It is reported that Maria exited the vehicle to confront the suspects and allegedly used pepper spray on the occupants of the suspect vehicle. Following this, a 16-year-old suspect allegedly shot Maria, resulting in her death. When the suspect aimed the firearm at Blanca, she drove away but returned to the scene to find her daughter lying on the ground, as per KTVU's report.

Maria's Background and Family

Maria reportedly had a history of grappling with a drug habit, as stated by her mother. She is survived by seven daughters aged between 1 to 16 years and a 7-year-old son. Maria's aunt, Maria Del Carmen Beltran, expressed the need for change in their community, emphasizing the importance of nonviolence.

The community is in mourning after the tragic incident. A GoFundMe page dedicated to Maria states that she brought immense joy, love, and kindness into the lives of everyone who knew her. The page aims to honor her memory and ease the financial burden on her family.