Detroit mother fatally shot sitting in backseat of car on east side

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Tia Taylor

A 28-year-old woman killed, gunned down while sitting in the backseat of a car on Detroit's east side.

Three other women were also in the vehicle when the shots rang out. Now police are searching for the shooter.

The victim, Tia Marie Taylor, leaves behind her three young children.

"The little kids now wandering where the mom is at," said Ray Taylor, Tia's uncle. "I don't think anyone knows how to explain that their mom is gone."

Tia Taylor was killed in the drive-by shooting at midnight Wednesday morning on Detroit's east side near the corner of E. Outer Drive and Conley. Police are now looking for the person who pulled the trigger.

"Her birthday was yesterday," Ray Taylor said. "She was hanging out with her buddies and all we know, we get a call this morning about 2, saying she's dead. I don't understand it. No answers. We don't know anything yet."

Detroit police say two men in a black Yukon followed the car Taylor and three of her female friends were in.

Taylor was sitting in the rear seat on the driver's side when the Yukon pulled up to the car and multiple shots were fired.

It happened only a few houses down from where Tamika Williams was celebrating her daughter's birthday as well.

"A little bit after 12 we were saying happy birthday and then we heard gunshots, at least about four gun shots," Williams said.

The bullets only struck Tia Taylor, the other three women did not suffer any injuries.

"I don't understand," Ray Taylor said. " ... I want to let the person who did this know they will not get away with it."

Police don't know if 28-year-old Tia Marie Taylor was targeted, but say the other three women in that car are cooperating.

Meanwhile, you still have two suspects at large. Police don't know if the passenger or driver in that Yukon fired off the shots, killing Taylor.

The family has a GoFundMe set up to help the children and pay for Tia's funeral. CLICK HERE to contribute.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detroit police (313) 596-5200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.