Slain bystander: 'We don't know if today's our last day'

Elizabeth Grisel Vega-Tirado moved to York City about 15 years ago from New York City because "it was quiet," according to a friend.

Vega-Tirado, 48, of the 700 block of West Princess Street, died Tuesday after she was shot outside a store on the street where she lived. York City Police Chief Wes Kahley said it appeared Vega-Tirado was just an "innocent victim."

“She had no enemies — none — she was a very friendly person,” said Nilda Garcia, of York City.

“She was an angel," Garcia said.

Garcia, who is currently vacationing in Puerto Rico, said she was with Vega-Tirado's family there when the news broke.

“It was a shock, I mean everybody’s still shocked,” she said Wednesday afternoon.

Garcia said everyone there "thinks it's just a dream."

"Her mother's always asking questions, 'Why, who — who would hurt my daughter?'" Garcia said.

Garcia said it was "the worst news ever," to hear about Vega-Tirado.

"You rarely saw her angry or with a mean face expression, she always smiling — no matter what," she said.

Garcia said Vega-Tirado worked third shift at a factory while raising her four boys by herself. Her children are adults now.

Garcia noted that Vega-Tirado liked joking around, listening to music and drinking beers, but her biggest focus was family.

“That was her dream, she wanted to keep her family together,” she said.

Garcia recalled her frequently telling family members "we don't know if today's our last day."

Vega-Tirado had a sense when things were bothering someone or they had a problem, and Garcia said Vega-Tirado wouldn't let that person go — she wanted to help.

"She was persistent when it came to that," she said.

Garcia said  Vega-Tirado helped her husband pick out an engagement ring for her back in 2006, and she was there when he proposed on July 4 that year. That was one of many memories Garcia shared with Vega-Tirado.

“Last night I just sat and just dwelled on all those old memories," she said.

Vega-Tirado wasn't the only person Garcia has lost to violence in York City. Garcia's son, Juan Miguel Laboy, 20, was shot and killed almost 11 years ago when he was walking across the bridge in the 400 block of Beaver Street. 

Investigation: Kahley said in a text message that there were no updates on the investigation into Vega-Tirado's death.

Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to call the York City Police Department at 717-846-1234 or text tips to 847-411 or download the York City PD App. Texting tips is the best method to relay information about this incident, and all information providers can remain anonymous.

— Reach Christopher Dornblaser at cdornblaser@yorkdispatch.com or on Twitter at @YDDornblaser.