Mother killed in Christmas Eve shooting near 29th and Greenfield identified

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A mother killed on Christmas Eve has been identified by close friends as Sildian Torres.

Friends and family said 27-year-old Torres was struck by a stray bullet while driving to her mother's house on Christmas Eve.

Her 7-year-old son was in the back seat of the car at the time.

Police say it happened near 29th and Greenfield just before 7 p.m. 

"She was an innocent person. Unfortunately, in the wrong place at the wrong time," said Jose Massas-Caraballo, a friend of the family.

Massas-Caraballo has been friends with Torres since they were children.

Now, he's planning her memorial service as her family grieves.

"They're so devastated they can't even make decisions for a funeral," Massas-Caraballo said of Torres' mother and two brothers.

He told CBS 58 Torres didn't deserve what happened to her, and he's trying to raise $10,000 so she can have a proper service.

"She was a loving mom, very humble, didn't get into any trouble with anyone. If you needed something, she was there," Massas-Caraballo said.

Milwaukee police are investigating the shooting. So far, no one has been arrested.

Though her family wants justice, their main focus is taking care of her son.

"It's a 7-year-old without a mother right now, for something that's totally not her fault," Massas-Caraballo said.

Torres' visitation and funeral is set for Saturday, Jan. 7, at Peace of Mind Funeral Services in Milwaukee.

If you know anything about Torres' death, call Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS.