Fatal shooting of Victorville woman ruled a homicide

A woman was found shot to death inside a Victorville home Thursday following what coroner's investigators have ruled to be a homicide.

Stephanie Santacruz, 37, was found shortly after 3 p.m. suffering from a fatal gunshot wound in the living room of a home in the 16300 block of Orick Avenue, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and coroner's officials.

She died at the scene, authorities said.

The death was initially reported as a possible suicide, sheriff's department spokeswoman Mara Rodriguez told the Victor Valley News Group website . The fatal shooting was deemed "suspicious" and the investigation was turned over to homicide detectives.

Santacruz's death was ruled a homicide by coroner's officials on Friday, records show.

"The suspect is unknown and remains at large," the sheriff's department said in a written statement .

An online memorial and fundraiser was established on GoFundMe.com to help the family with funeral expenses.

Santacruz is survived by four children and one grandchild, according to sister Precious Santacruz.

"My sister wasn't perfect but she always made sure whoever was around her was okay, protected, and loved," she wrote on the memorial page.

Anyone with information was urged to contact the Sheriff's Homicide Detail at (909) 890-4904. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Fatal shooting of Victorville woman ruled a homicide