Police have apprehended the suspect believed to have pulled the trigger, killing a 13-month-old baby boy in Brunswick, Ga., last week. Police say that an led to the arrest of 17-year-old De’Marquise Elkins, who was taken into custody Saturday (March 23).
A 14-year-old suspect has also been arrested, but his name is being withheld due to his age.
Elkins has been charged with murder, for allegedly shooting the sleeping baby, Antonio Santiago. The mother, Sherry West, attests that she was walking down the street pushing the baby in his stroller, when she was approached by a group of youngsters demanding money. When she said she didn’t have any, West and the baby were both shot.
The mother was hit in the leg, while the gunman is said to have pushed her out of the way and shot the baby in the head.
West identified the suspects as being somewhere between the ages of 10 and 15 years old.
Elkin’s aunt has provided an alibi for the teen, and doesn’t believe he committed the crime. “He was with us the whole time,” said Katrina Freeman. “There is no doubt in my mind that he is innocent.”
Police beg to differ. “That’s what she’s saying,” said police spokesperson Todd Rhodes. “But the evidence we’re looking at says something else.”
911 calls made by crying neighbors after the baby was shot, were also released Saturday.
West has rounded up many of her son’s clothes to give away, and wants to see the baby’s killer brought to justice. “He killed my baby and she shot me too,” she said. “My baby will never be back again. He took an innocent life. I want his life too.”
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Photo: Police Handout/AP
