Mother of gang violence victim killed while setting up memorial

BRENTWOOD, NY — The mother of a New York teen allegedly killed by gang members has died, after she was run over by a car at the site of her daughter's memorial.

Suffolk County police say Evelyn Rodriguez was setting up for a memorial on Friday when a neighbor confronted her about items on her property.

That woman allegedly tried to run over those items and struck Rodriguez.

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Witnesses told WCBS the woman ran over Rodriguez forward, then backed over her body again.

Rodriguez became an advocate against gang violence after 16-year-old Kayla Cuevas and 15-year-old Nisa Mickens were beaten to death in 2016 near Cuevas' home.

Four alleged members of the "MS13" gang were charged in the murders.

Authorities say Friday's incident is not gang-related.

President Donald Trump tweeted condolences for Rodriguez Friday. She was a featured guest at this year's State of the Union address.

CNN/WCBS