Police investigate fatal shooting

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (WSVN) -- Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a woman inside her home.

According to police, 61-year-old Linda McNamara heard gunfire outside her house near Southwest 14th Street and 86th Avenue, early Friday morning, so she went to see what was going on.

Police said as McNamara headed for the door, she was shot twice in the chest. Pembroke Pines Police Captain Al Xiques said, "A preliminary investigation has revealed that several shots were fired toward the listed residence by unknown subjects, and the victim, who was inside her bedroom and heard the shots, was struck by the gunfire after getting out of bed to investigate."

"It sounded kinda like a transformer popping," said Julio Santana, who heard the gunshots.

Rescue crews rushed her to Hollywood Memorial Regional, where she later died.

Neighbors are stunned to hear that something like this could happen so close to home. "It's a very good neighborhood," said Juliet Johnson. "You have kids, you have good working people, you have good people in the neighborhood, so this is shocking ... It's sad. I don't know what else to say. I'm in shock."

Neighbor Meyra Garcia said, "It's scary that there's people driving by, shooting up houses. That's very scary."

"I heard the gunshots, and by the time, I grabbed my gun and ran out," neighbor Pete Balcarce said. "It was about eight seconds later, I saw some kids running away from a car."

Balcarce said he called 911 when he heard McNamara's husband yelling for help.

"When we heard the shooting, it was around 12:30 or so. I heard a lot of noise and I woke up and looked out the window, and I didn't see anything. Afterwards, I saw a lot of cops," said another neighbor.

Police are unsure if McNamara was targeted or if she was hit by a stray bullet. "At this time, we really don't know the cause or the reason for the shooting," Xiques said.

Neighbors spoke highly of McNamara and her family. "Great person, giving, wonderful lady. I never saw her upset. Best friend to her husband. They've been together for a long time ... He's a proud veteran, and she's a proud wife and proud mother of her children. I don't think anybody would want to hurt them," Balcarce said. "It's a shame what happened to her."

Officials said the couple's daughter also lived in the home, and her boyfriend had just moved in last week. Police continue to investigate.

A night-vision camera set up inside the home, facing outward, may shed light onto what occurred.

If you have any information on this shooting, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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