Bradenton, Fla. – On Nov. 12, 2024, 43‑year‑old mother of four Yolanda Baxcajay‑Flores pulled into her home on the 2100 block of 15th Avenue East and was caught in a sudden ambush. The attack, captured on newly released home‑security footage, left her dead and the case still unsolved two years later.
What the video shows
At 7:28 p.m., a sedan pulled up and parked near the corner of 14th Avenue East and 21st Street East. While the driver remained in the vehicle, three individuals leapt out and sprinted toward Baxcajay‑Flores’s driveway. Within seconds, more than 30 rounds were fired from multiple weapons, striking the victim multiple times. The three assailants then fled back to the waiting sedan, which sped away at 7:30 p.m.
Investigation status
Bradenton Police Department detectives have identified several persons of interest over the past 24 months, but no arrests have been made. The department emphasized that the shooting was not a targeted attack on Baxcajay‑Flores; investigators believe she was an unintended victim of a crime aimed at someone else.
Detectives continue to request information from the public. “We need the community’s help to bring justice for Yolanda and her family,” a spokesperson said, adding that any tip could prove critical in breaking the case.
Reward for information
An $8,000 reward is available for tips that lead to an arrest. The reward combines $3,000 from Crime Stoppers and $5,000 from the Gold Star Club of Manatee County. To qualify, callers must submit an anonymous tip through manateecrimestoppers.com and provide details that help investigators locate the perpetrators.
Community response
Neighbors and local residents expressed sorrow and frustration at the lingering lack of resolution. “It’s heartbreaking that a mother was taken in broad daylight, and we still don’t have answers,” said a nearby homeowner who asked to remain unnamed.
The police department plans to keep the case active and will continue to follow any leads that arise from the newly released video. Authorities encourage anyone who saw the sedan, the three individuals, or heard gunfire that night to come forward, even if the information seems minor.
How to help
Tips can be submitted anonymously online or by calling the Crime Stoppers hotline. The department reminded callers that providing accurate details, such as vehicle description, license plate numbers, or distinctive clothing, can significantly aid the investigation.
As the two‑year anniversary passes, the Baxcajay‑Flores family and the Bradenton community remain hopeful that renewed attention and the reward will finally bring justice.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
