Adedokun Waliyu 
Calgary police say the 15-year-old girl who was killed in a shooting early Tuesday morning in the northeast community of Martindale might have been a case of mistaken identity.
Officers were called to the 200 block of Martin Crossing Crescent N.E. at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday for reports that a teen girl had been shot. Emergency responders pronounced the girl dead at the scene.
Investigators believe the girl was shot while sitting in the passenger seat of a car in the alley behind the 300 block of Martindale Drive N.E. The driver of the vehicle — who was uninjured — fled to Martin Crossing Crescent N.E. before calling the police.
The suspect or suspects fled before police arrived.
Following an autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on Wednesday, the victim of the shooting has been identified as Sarah Alexis Jorquera, a 15-year-old girl from Calgary.
Investigators believe the shooting was targeted, however they are still piecing together the evidence to determine if the occupants of the vehicle were the intended targets or if it was a case of mistaken identity.
“This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of a young girl,” said Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta with Calgary police’s homicide unit.
“At this point, we have more questions than answers and are working around the clock to hold those responsible accountable. Losing a 15-year-old is a tragic loss for our community, her school, her friends and, most importantly, her family. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to come forward.”
In a Facebook post Wednesday one of Jorquera’s friends said the dead teen had been a positive force in her life and lamented that she wasn’t with her the night of the shooting.
“She helped me heal so much. She helped me think more carefully. She helped me through almost being on the streets,” wrote Stephanie Topolnicki.
“I wish I had answered your FaceTimes more. Or called more … I wish I did that night.”
The public has already submitted several tips to investigators about the incident. Calgary police said it’s working to identify a suspect description.
Specifically, Calgary police are looking for dashcam footage from the Martindale area — including Martindale Drive — between 1 a.m. and 1:40 a.m. on Tuesday.
