Mother of 5 shot 'execution-style' in stairway of NY apartment building

NEW YORK -- A mother of five was gunned down in the stairway of her Bronx apartment building this week and police are still searching for her killer.

Michelle Box, 41, was shot execution-style at 1985 Webster Ave. on Wednesday at 10 p.m.

Cox has five children. Her long-time girlfriend, who doesn't want her identity revealed, told WPIX that she believes the shooting was a case of mistaken identity.

"She was a beautiful person," she explained. "Everybody really loved her and adored her. I don't think anybody in their right mind would want to hurt her."

Police said Cox went to a nearby store without her cell phone and then back to her building. When she arrived, the elevator wasn't working so she took the stairway where she was later killed.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). All calls are strictly confidential.