Family members of pregnant Modesto shooting victim say prognosis grim

MODESTO -- Family members of the pregnant woman shot last week said the prognosis is grim for 18-year-old Soheila Delatorre and her baby.

“It’s hard just to sit here and think about what’s going to happen,” said Delatorre’s sister-in-law Sandra Reyes.

Reyes declined to comment further on Delatorre’s condition but often referred to her in past tense.

Delatorre was shot while riding in a car Friday night at Vernon Avenue and Robertson Road in south Modesto.

A Sheriff’s Department spokesperson said an occupant of the vehicle Delatorre was in exchanged gunfire with occupants of another vehicle, described as a dark, newer model car with chrome rims.

Reyes said her brother, George Delatorre, was in the car with his wife, but insists he never returned fire.

She said George and Soheila Delatorre were very much in love and looking forward to having a child.

Soheila Delatorre is four months pregnant.

“It’s unconditional love that he had for her and his baby that he was waiting for,” Reyes said about her brother, who married Soheila Delatorre three months ago. “I can’t even describe how happy they have been together.”

The Sheriff’s Department has not made any arrests in the case or identified any suspects.

Sheriff's officials ask anyone with information about the shooting call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Tipsters also can e-mail tips through the Crime Stoppers Web site, www.stancrimetips.org, or text tips to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" and a message. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.

Bee staff writer Erin Tracy can be reached at (209) 578-2366.