On September 25, 2016, three-year-old Melanie Martinez was killed in a drive-by shooting in Stockton, California. She was sitting in the backseat of a vehicle near Jefferson and Commerce Streets around 8:26 p.m. when a stray bullet struck her. Melanie was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Stockton Police Department conducted a lengthy investigation that lasted nearly three years. In April 2019 an 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with the case; he was a juvenile at the time of the shooting and was charged with murder and attempted murder. The department says the investigation remains active and is seeking additional information and potential suspects.

Vigils drew hundreds to honor Melanie, and local leaders publicly decried gang violence. Her mother, Kimberly Botello, described Melanie as a joyful child who loved attention and was looking forward to starting school. Does anyone have information that could help the investigation or memories of Melanie to share?