WASHINGTON -- The family of a young woman fatally shot on Labor Day says she was not the intended target.

Kendra Smith was killed Monday in front of her home on D Street SE. The 23-year-old mother was an events planner who was an honors student at Banicker High School and also graduated from Temple University. She was active in her church, the NAACP and local politics.

Man Shoots Mother Of One

"I heard the gunshots," said Smith's mother, Debra Evans. "I was here. But I never dreamed that it was her until I got that phone call."

Smith was returning home around 10:30 p.m. Monday when she got out of her car and saw a childhood friend in another car, authorities said. She reportedly got into his car and talked to him for a while. That's when another man came up to that car with a gun and opened fire, hitting Smith in the head.

Smith's friend drove a block up Burbank Street, then ran for help. Smith was taken to an area hospital, where she died Tuesday night.

"She had a lot of people that love her, a lot of people that really embraced her, and I find comfort in that," Evans said. "That makes me feel good, because I know that so many people loved her."