Phoenix family still searching for driver who hit and killed 16-year-old a year ago

PHOENIX (AZFamily) – There is a memorial dedicated to Paulina Ochoa on 27th Avenue near Indian School Road.

“Today, unfortunately, marks one year since my daughter died,” said Anabel Ochoa, Paulina’s mother.

A cross in honor of the 16-year-old is surrounded by flowers, candles and balloons that her friends and family have lovingly laid down.

“For me, every day is the same. Since she left, every day is the same,” said Anabel.

Anabel lost her daughter on June 9, 2023.

Phoenix police said Paulina was walking home around 11 p.m. and was struck by a car while crossing the street. Investigators said the driver fled the scene.

Detectives found surveillance video from that night showing a black Chrysler car in the area, but that clue did not help police catch the person responsible.

“Besides the pain, there is also fear and despair because we have no answers to what happened,” said Anabel. “How could no one have seen anything? How could no one know anything?”

For Paulina’s family, a year has passed without answers, but not without faith.

“It would be pointless to ask the driver to turn himself in because he didn’t. However, I believe in justice and there is also divine justice. I have faith. Maybe it won’t happen now, but something will happen in the future. That’s why I still believe there will be justice,” said Anabel.

Until they find Paulina’s murderer, her parents, her two brothers and her younger sister will not be able to come to terms with the matter.

“I miss her voice in the house. I just miss her in the house,” said Paulina’s younger sister.

They will not forget the sweet girl who would have graduated from Bostrom High School this year and gone on to college to become a veterinarian.

Her dreams of being a role model for her siblings were shattered just one month before her 17th birthday.

“They didn’t just take a life. They wiped out an entire family,” Anabel said.

Phoenix police are asking anyone with information to call them or submit an anonymous tip to Silent Witness at 480-948-6777 or by clicking here.

There is a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

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