Gudelia Vallinas, 37, was walking home in Astoria on March 12, 2021, after running a quick errand when a stray bullet struck her in the head. She was just steps from her home near 48th Street and Broadway after an altercation at the nearby Woodside Houses escalated into gunfire between rival gang members. Emergency services transported her to a local hospital, but she was pronounced dead. She left behind an 11-year-old son and a 9-year-old daughter and was described by her family as devoted to her children and her church.

Investigators later arrested three men connected to the shooting. Dajuan Williams, 19 at the time, was identified as the person who allegedly fired the fatal shot and was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Another 19-year-old, Benaiah Reid, was also arrested and charged with murder. A 25-year-old, Alexander Acevedo, faced charges of criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment. The case prompted a wider law enforcement response and multiple indictments in a related gang investigation.

If anyone knew Gudelia, saw activity near 48th Street and Broadway that night, or has information about the shooting, please come forward.