Maria Mercedes Cordova, 18

Maria Mercedes Cordova, a 20-year-old Latina, died from blunt-force trauma Sunday, Feb. 7, in the 1500 block of Pleasant Avenue in Boyle Heights, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

About 11 a.m., Henry Sanchez, 19, Cordova and a 20-year-old man were in a white sedan stopped at the intersection of Enchandia Street and East Cesar Chavez Avenue when a black SUV pulled up, said LAPD Det. Jose Ramirez.

A person got out of the passenger side of the SUV, ran up and shot at the group, Ramirez said.

The SUV then drove west on East Cesar Chavez Avenue.

Sanchez, the driver, tried to get the car away but was struck by the gunfire. Ramirez said it’s possible that Sanchez had his foot on the gas pedal.

Sanchez’s car ended up striking a parked van several blocks away, at the intersection of Echandia Street and Pleasant Avenue, then flipping and crashing into an unoccupied home.

Sanchez and Cordova were pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner’s office determined that Cordova died of blunt force and ruled her death a homicide. 

The third person in the car was not seriously injured.

Police have released two suspect descriptions. One suspect is believed to be a young adult Latino between 5 feet 9 and 6 feet tall. He was wearing dark clothing, police said. The second suspect is believed only to be male.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hollenbeck detectives as (323) 342-8964. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @nicolesantacruz and @latimeshomicide on Twitter.