A tragic drive-by shooting in Baton Rouge claimed the life of a 7-year-old boy and left two other children injured on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred near the intersections of Swan and Kingfisher avenues shortly after 2 p.m.
Police reported that a vehicle pulled alongside another and opened fire.
The targeted car, which had multiple bullet holes, was later found outside Lofton Hair Care near Southern University’s campus.
Victim Identified, Two Others Hospitalized
The family of the children confirmed that 7-year-old Diellon Daniels died at a pediatric hospital.
He was the oldest of the three victims.
The other two children, whose ages have not been disclosed, remain hospitalized.
Police have stated that one child is critically injured, while the other is seriously injured.
Authorities believe the children were not the intended targets of the shooting.
Police Investigation Underway
Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. addressed the media, expressing his condolences to the victims’ families and vowing to find those responsible.
Morse said 20 to 30 shell casings were present at the scene of the shooting, showing the extent to which the car was struck.
“Our hearts are broken by the news that three young children were shot today during a targeted shooting on Swan Avenue in Scotlandville.” said Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome in a statement. “There are no words to express how much pain the choice of some adults to engage in this violence that injured innocent children has brought these children’s family members, their young friends, classmates and teachers, and our entire community.”
No information on possible suspects has been released yet. The case is open and ongoing.
“Our Baton Rouge Police Department is working every lead in this case diligently, and we will not rest until any perpetrators of this violence are brought to justice,” Broome continued in her statement.
