ximena mezaAs readers are no doubt aware, 9-year old Ximena Meza was senselessly, awfully murdered in a gang crossfire yesterday evening as she played with friends in front of her apartment in west Anaheim:

A white, stuffed cat and plush bunny animal sat Thursday morning in the spot near where Ximena was shot. A flickering religious candle honored her.

William Meza said his family moved into the Anaheim apartment three months ago.

“We had a very big loss,” he said.

Jennifer Smith, who has lived in the apartment next to the Meza’s for five years, said she heard three consecutive shots Wednesday night and immediately called 911.

Smith said she went outside and saw William Meza holding Ximena in his arms, begging for someone to help him. But she never saw the shooter.

“They’re cowards,” she said. “Cowards. If you’re going to kill a little girl, why don’t you stay until the cops show up?”

A online fund has been set up to accept donations to defray the costs to the Meza family of Ximena’s funeral. Click on this link to the “Ximena’s Funeral Fund” page on GoFundMe.com. lease give generously, and more importantly, keep her family and friends in your prayers.