Family of Bradenton mother killed in shooting join police for Christmas shopping, no arrests

BRADENTON, Fla. – A Bradenton family is facing an especially difficult Christmas after their mother, Yolanda Baxcajay-Flores, was tragically murdered last month. 

The 43-year-old was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of a shooting as she returned home from the grocery store. As police continue to search for her killer, her children — ranging in age from 5 to 24 — are left coping with the loss this Christmas. 

This year, during Bradenton’s annual “Honoring the Badge” event, which pairs underprivileged kids with law enforcement officers to shop for Christmas gifts, police officers made a special effort to include Baxcajay-Flores’ children. 

RELATED: Bradenton woman returning from grocery store shot to death in car, police say

“Such a tragic homicide, very active, actively investigating that case… so several officers came forward and said we’d love to invite her kids to come and participate with us tonight,” Thiers said. 

“It was helpful knowing our detective face-to-face,” said Joanna Rodriguez Baxcajay, the victim’s oldest daughter. “I know he’s doing everything he can in this case. It was calming to the mind and really helps, especially during the holiday season when it feels more intense.”

Thiers said this was a chance for the family to interact with the officers in the department in a much different setting. 

“They’ve only seen us during an investigation of the murder of their mother, and this gives us a chance to interact with them in a different setting – a more joyful setting,” Thiers explained. 

READ: Teen with ankle monitor spotted on surveillance stealing packages in Bradenton neighborhood: Police

Although the holiday event offered some comfort, Joanna said her only wish this season was for justice. 

“I just hope he is caught soon and taken off the streets because it’s just not right,” she said.  

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