Woman shot near 24th & Center was on her way to hospital to see her father

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- FOX6 News has learned the 29-year-old woman who was shot and killed while stopped at the intersection of 24th and Center in her vehicle on Monday, April 7th was a devoted mother who was on her way to the hospital. Dricka Hodges was on the way to see her father in the hospital, who just passed away. Now, her family is mourning two deaths.

Police say a suspect, shooting at a group of people in broad daylight on Monday evening ended up killing Hodges.

Hodges' family plans to gather near 24th and Center on Wednesday evening, April 9th for a vigil in Hodges' honor.

Kids were outside playing, and Hodges was near her home on Monday evening -- her car stopped at the intersection of 24th and Center.

Hodges was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. A bullet fired from a gun fired by a suspect towards a group of people struck the woman. She died at the scene.

"It's just senseless. It didn't have to happen," Chandra Ellis said.

Ellis is Hodges' cousin. She says Hodges was devoted to her two young daughters -- ages eight and four.

Ellis says Hodges had been saving to take them to Disney World this summer.

Now, Ellis is putting together a fundraising effort to help the children through a life without their mother.

"She loved family. We have a really close family. A really, really close family. She loved family. Even going to see her dad. She loved family," Ellis said.

What makes Hodges' death even more difficult is the fact that she was headed to the hospital on the day of the shooting to see her father, who recently passed away.

Ellis says she wonders if the shooter even realizes what was done.

"They didn't know she was going to see her daddy. They didn't know she had two girls that she was leaving. They didn't know how close a family we are. They didn't know how important she was to us and how fun. They didn't know that. You don't know anytime this happens. Stop. I don't know why it keeps happening," Ellis said.

Ellis will earn a psychology degree this spring. She says she wants to help the community put an end to the violence.

"I don't understand why. why they had to do that. It could have been anybody that was there at that place, at that time. I don't understand why this happens in our city, in our community. Why?" Ellis said.

There are funds being set up to benefit Hodges young daughters. Donations are being accepted at any U.S. Bank or online.

Funeral services for Hodges are set for Saturday, April 12th at New Jerusalem Baptist Church on West Connell Street. A viewing begins at 10:00 a.m., and a funeral service begins at 11:00 a.m.

Milwaukee police have not yet arrested anyone in connection with this shooting.

An 18-year-old Milwaukee man was injured in this shooting incident. He was taken to the hospital -- and is expected to be okay.

A Dricka Hodges Memorial Fund has been established. If you'd like to contribute to the fund, CLICK HERE.