Family seeks answers after mother dies in hit-and-run during West Side brawl

SAN ANTONIO — The death of 28-year-old Ashley Lopez leaves a local family with more questions than answers.

The young mother of five was shot down during a street fight on the West Side last Wednesday. San Antonio police have arrested 36-year-old driver Penny Gomez in connection with Lopez’s death.

Looking straight into our camera on Saturday, the victim’s mother had one question: why?

“Why would you do this,” said Ana Blanco.

Lopez wasn’t the only one Gomez passed at the time. According to the affidavit, several witnesses reported seeing Gomez deliberately run over two women. The other woman survived, but Lopez died at the scene.

Blanco had said moments before that Lopez was protecting his eleven-year-old daughter.

“My granddaughter was bullied by kids at school,” Blanco said.

Blanco said the children showed up at the Lopez home near Angela Walk and South Picoso Street. A fight then broke out in the street, and as things began to escalate, Gomez got into her car, drove into the crowd, and fled.

“People beat the car, told it to stop and what [Lopez] was there and she didn’t stop,” Blanco said.

Lopez’s mother and sister-in-law Andrea Mata said they did not know the suspect. However, they believe the suspect’s daughter was living at Lopez’s home at the time of the hit.

“In our memory, [Lopez and Gomez] did not fight. There was nothing between them, no enmity,” Mata said.

The women said they plan to attend the Gomez hearing to learn more and look forward to getting justice. For now, they’re reflecting on Lopez’s life and raising money for her funeral.

On Saturday, the family hosted a sale of “This is God’s Motorcycle Ministry” plate in Benavides Park. The vice-president of the club apologized to the suspect.

“God forgives you, but we would say so to turn to God. Ask him for forgiveness so you can find peace within yourself,” said Gerardo “Big G” Flores.

The family is planning another fundraiser next Saturday and Sunday at 230 Ranch Valley Drive, San Antonio, TX 78227. Barbecue plates will cost $10 and will be served from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Money can also be donated to the family cash app: $sillme.