Baby aged just three-months shot in car park while parents were shopping (original) (raw)
Baby Jeremiah Carlos is fighting for his life after being shot in the chest in a supermarket car park in Chicago, which authorities have described as a malicious and 'evil' act
A three-month-old baby boy was shot in a Chicago car park in a suspected drug feud
A devastating attack has left a three-month-old baby, Jeremiah Carlos, critically injured after being shot in the chest while his parents were buying baby formula in Chicago. The incident took place in the city's Little Village neighbourhood and due to the severity of his injuries, young Jeremiah might face a lifetime of specialized care.
In light of this tragedy, a GoFundMe appeal has been launched by his mother Lily, who is reeling from the shock. She shared, "While simply out for a store run to get baby formula, this unfortunate and senseless act of violence occurred and turned our family's worlds upside down. We are now facing a devastating crisis."
The horrifying shooting involving the innocent infant unfolded on Saturday afternoon outside the West 26th Street Walgreens at about 4.30 pm. Per witness accounts and a police report obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, two gunmen stepped out of an SUV and opened fire at the family vehicle.
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Jeremiah is currently in the intensive care unit, but thankfully his condition has stabilized since the horrific event, reports the Mirror US.
Bullet holes in the car after the shooting (
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Reacting swiftly, the baby's mother leapt behind the wheel and raced away until they reached safety and could summon an ambulance.
Jeremiah's dad was hit multiple times in the right shoulder and arm, with a bullet also grazing his neck. He managed to escape into the store while the armed assailants, brandishing a green rifle and handgun, jumped back into their vehicle and sped off down Albany Avenue.
The shooting was gang-related and targeted, according to members of the Little Village Community Council speaking on behalf of the victim's family. Jeremiah has already undergone one operation to repair his clavicle and faces a long road to recovery.
The Chicago Walgreens where the shooting took place (
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Balthazar Enriquez, of the Little Village Community Council, stated that it will be "a long time" before the child can leave the hospital. The Little Village Community Council has been rallying support for the victim's family, accepting donations either at their office or though a GoFundMe campaign.
The boy's dad has since been discharged from hospital, but the family remains living in fear. "There has been pictures of the father put on Facebook pages that are gang related, showing that he was not killed and if you guys want to finish the job, you know, this is what he looks like," revealed Chela Garcia, a representative from the Little Village Community Council.
The community group has urged local politicians to provide more support for the neighbourhood, which has a long history of gang-related violence. "This community has been traumatised by violence year after year after year, but no one gives us any tools, any resources for us to combat the generational trauma," Enriquez said.
Jeremiah Carlos was left fighting for his life (
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The infant's family has appealed for financial assistance and any information that could lead to an arrest in relation to the shooting, which is still under investigation. No arrests have been made so far.