Suspect Identified In Killing Of 3-Year-Old Boy In Compton

COMPTON (CBSLA) — Homicide detectives have identified the alleged shooter in the death of a 3-year-old boy in Compton, authorities said Sunday.

Detectives were negotiating with the suspect's family and his attorney to facilitate his surrender, Deputy Wally Bracks said. The department declined to name the suspect.

Deputies tried desperately to save the little boy, racing him to the hospital after the shooting, which unfolded about 7:45 p.m. Saturday.

Deputies say the child was a bystander to an argument between two men in the parking lot outside a liquor store on W. Alondra Boulevard.

When one of the men got into his girlfriend's car, authorities say someone shot at it, striking the child.

After the man and girlfriend took off in the car, they realized the toddler was hit and they pulled over in front of a restaurant about two miles away in Carson.

The couple called 911. Responding deputies made a judgment call, deciding that they could not wait for paramedics, and raced the boy to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

The child was pronounced dead late Saturday night.

The suspect was described as a black male driving a dark-colored sedan, which was last seen driving westbound on Alondra Boulevard.

The investigation is ongoing.

A vigil took place Sunday evening.

Sheriff's homicide detectives asked anyone with information regarding the shooting to call (323) 890-5500.

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