Investigation probes fatal shooting of 13-year-old Modesto girl

No suspects have been identified in a holiday weekend shooting that left a 13-year-old girl dead and her brother injured.

A Modesto police spokeswoman said Tuesday that no new developments had emerged in the Memorial Day death of Brisa Covarrubias, the 13-year-old girl who was fatally shot just hours earlier outside the home.

Brisa had just graduated from Mark Twain Junior High, and many who attended a vigil at her family home Monday night had been classmates.

One of Brisa’s sisters read a statement prepared by the 13-year-old’s seven siblings that described her as outspoken, lovable and with a great laugh. She also had a soft spot for stray animals and aspired to be a veterinarian. They implored for help in finding Brisa’s killer and expressed their deep grief.

“If anybody knows any whereabouts or anything, please come forward,” the statement said. “I beg you. Please help us know. Your beautiful Brisa deserves justice. We love you, and we miss you so much, my princess. I promise you, we’ll find him.

“Just promise me that when we find him, please come visit us in our dreams, baby girl. Your spirit will definitely be kept alive.”

Brisa was shot about 12:20 a.m. Monday in front of her home in the 1600 block of Pelton Avenue. Her 15-year-old brother tried to shield her from the shooter and was also hit. He was at the vigil, with one of his arms in what appeared to be a cast and in a sling; he declined to comment. The two teens were taken to a hospital, where Brisa was pronounced dead.

The family has said the teens were shot by a man who pulled up in a Chevrolet pickup and asked them, “Do you bang?” — asking whether they were in a gang. The teens said no but the man starting shooting, according to a family member.

The vigil featured two posters of Brisa attached to a tree in the front yard as well as several dozen candles underneath, along with stuffed bears and flowers. The family plans to put together a GoFundMe account to raise money for the funeral, as well as holding car washes this weekend. Supplies and other donated items are needed for the car washes. The GoFundMe account will have more information.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Modesto police Detective Ra Pouv at 209-572-9826 or Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters may also text information to Crime Stoppers at 274637. Type “TIP704” along with your message.

This story was originally published May 30, 2016 at 10:32 PM with the headline "Investigation probes fatal shooting of 13-year-old Modesto girl."