The Casa Grande Police Department is investigating a shooting that left two young women dead.
According to the Casa Grande Police Department, on Sunday at approximately 8:39 p.m., officers responded to multiple call of shots fired at the Sonoran Apartments, located at 344 North Pottebaum Avenue.
When officers arrived, they discovered a chaotic scene in the south parking lot of the complex, with citizens attempting to give aid to the two young women, both with multiple gunshot wounds.
One of the victims, 18-year-old Leslie Cota, of Casa Grande, was found inside of the vehicle with an unknown number of gunshot wounds to her torso. Ms. Cota died on scene.
The second victim, a 17-year-old from Casa Grande, was found directly behind the vehicle with an unknown number of gunshot wounds to her torso. This victim, who has not yet been identified by police, was treated on scene and was then transported to a valley area hospital by air flight. The 17-year-old victim succumbed to her injuries shortly before midnight.
The victims were described as friends.
Detectives discovered nearly (30) 9mm casings near the victim vehicle, also a Chrysler 300. Police say it is unclear as to the motivation or cause of this shooting. It is also unclear if the two young women were the intended targets.
Currently, police say there is no physical description of the suspect(s). Detectives believe a Silver/Gray newer model Chrysler 300 was involved and may have been driven by the suspect or served as the getaway vehicle. Further description of the possible suspect vehicle is tinted windows, black rims, with a loud exhaust. Multiple reports suggested the suspect vehicle fled the complex south bound on Pottebaum Avenue.
If you have any important information regarding this investigation, or possibly live in the general vicinity of the incident and may have video surveillance, police ask you to contact Detective T. Ellsworth at Tellsworth@casagrandeaz.gov or (520) 421-8711 ext. 6294. You are also encouraged to report anonymously to Silent Witness at (520) 836-2100.