A Burien family is in mourning after a tragic shooting claimed the life of 88-year-old María Teresa Contreras Herrera, a beloved grandmother and family matriarch, on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024.

As we previously reported, the shooting occurred just after midnight on Wednesday when four gunmen fired more than 70 shots at the family’s home in the 1000 block of South 130th Place in Burien before fleeing in a red car.

“Gramita” María Teresa Contreras Herrera turned 88 in April, and “was a true warrior, the most loving, caring person we have ever known,” according to her family.

María, known affectionately as “Gramita” by her grandchildren, was asleep when the attack happened. She was one of 14 residents in the home, including two children and a pregnant woman.

The family described her as the heart of their household, a woman of immense love and faith who was always there to pray for and bless her loved ones as they went about their daily lives.

“We are here not just as grieving grandchildren, but as a voice for a remarkable woman who can no longer speak for herself,” the family told The B-Town Blog. “She was a true warrior, the most loving, caring person we have ever known.”

María leaves behind a large family, including six children, 24 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and 105 other relatives.

The family expressed their deep sorrow, stating that she did not deserve such a brutal and cruel end, and they vowed to continue fighting for justice in her memory.

“My Grandmother made sure she prayed for us, blessed us on our way out, every time we were off to work, the store, anything she was there at the window praying,” Jessica Bedolla said. “Those prayers protected every occupant that horrific night, God saved us, she saved us. Our hearts are heavy, but we’re here grappling onto the love she had and gave to us. My Grandmother was healthy both physically and mentally. We had no doubt she would live to 100+ years. She did not deserve this brutal, cruel ending, no human does.”

“May any part even just a little part of this story touch your hearts and help us continue fighting for justice, for our grandmother but also for those you have lost due to violence,” the family added. “May our grandmother rest in paradise may she continue showering us with love and hope. We love you with all our hearts, Grandma, and we will never forget your words, your smile, your scent, the immense love you gave us. Rest in peace, our beautiful Gramita; you have gone ahead, but one day we will all be together again.”

“Te amamos con todo nuestro corazon Abuelita y nunca vamos a olvidar tus palabras, tu sonrisa, tu olor, el imenso amor que nos diste. Descansa en paz nuestra gramita hermosa, te adelantaste pero un día todos vamos a estar juntos otra vez.”

Family Seeking Surveillance Footage, Tips

The family is also seeking assistance from the community, asking anyone with surveillance footage from the area around their home on Aug. 27 and 28 to please contact the King County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (206) 263-2090, or email mcutips@kingcounty.gov, and reference Case #C24-028825.

Currently the King County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is investigating this incident.  There have not been any arrests made and no suspects have yet been identified.

María Teresa Contreras Herrera, 4/19/1936 – 8/28/2024.

Everyone at South King Media sends out their deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved María, and we also hope there’s an end in sight to gun violence.

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2 replies on “Family mourns 88-year-old ‘Gramita’ killed in Wednesday’s horrific Burien shooting; seeking help from public”

  1. It’s too bad a wonderful lady has to lose her life because the elected officials don’t incarcerate the criminal youth committing these crimes.

  2. Please catch these s.o.b.’s!
    Kids don’t deserve to lose their lives for an idiotic mistake that they make as an immature teenager. But, unfortunately they must be caught and punished in some serious way for what they have done.
    God bless this woman and God bless the dummy kids that took an innocent life.

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