The community says organized crime has them living in fear.
LANGLEY PARK, Md. — Residents in the Langley Park neighborhood are shaken after witnessing a 2-year-old boy shot and killed on Thursday afternoon.
The shooting happened in the 1400 block of Kanawha Street in Langley Park.
The Prince George’s County Police Department said a detective in the area heard gunshots at around 5:30 p.m. When they followed the sound, they found a mother and her 2-year-old son, Jeremy Caceres. Both had been shot.
In a press conference Friday evening, Prince George’s County Assistant Police Chief Vernon Hale III said at least two people, believed to be Fuentes and Turcios, got out of a carjacked car and began shooting at a group of people. The mother and son were walking in the area and got caught in the crossfire.
The officer used a trauma kit to help the toddler before EMS arrived and took him to an area hospital, where he died. Police say the mother was expected to recover.
WUSA9 spoke to Norma Beltran, who said she knew the boy and his family as she claimed she has often looked after him while his mother worked.
Beltran said she heard over 20 gunshots. She and other neighbors believe the shooting was related to organized crime. Residents told WUSA9 that gang activity has them living in fear.
“I saw him lying there. I thought no. It can’t be Jeremy. Maybe he fainted from the sound of the gunshots. Jeremy has to be alive. It can’t be. Later, I found out he died.” Beltran said.
On Friday, police announced the arrest of 33-year-old Israel Fuentes and 28-year-old Johny Alejandro Turcios. Both are charged in connection to the murder of Jeremy and the wounding of the boy’s mother.
On Friday morning, neighbors told WUSA9 they had not been able to get in touch with the boy’s mother all day.
Stephanie Affor, a neighbor who was visiting a friend in the area, said she would like to see more police patrolling in the area.
“That is crazy. Every day we hear about shootings, drug abuse, crime. What is the government doing about this? It’s crazy,” Affor said.
Both Fuentes and Turcios will be charged with first-degree murder and other related charges. However, officers are still on the lookout for two other suspects believed to have been in the car when the shooting began.
Police are still investigating whether the shooting was gang-related.
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for “WUSA9” to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.
Original News Source
Running For Office? Conservative Campaign Management – Election Day Strategies!