East Palo Alto police have arrested a suspect in the Sunday morning shooting and killing of a 3-month-old baby on Wisteria Drive.
The arrest, which police plan to discuss at a noon press conference, follows a manhunt that begun shortly after the shooting.
Police said two gunmen opened fire on a vehicle at about 12:50 a.m. Sunday, wounding the boy's parents and killing the baby. The parents, both Redwood City residents, were on their way back from a baby shower at the 400 block of Wisteria Drive when the shooting occurred, acting Capt. Jeff Liu said.
Both parents suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries and were taken to Stanford Hospital. The baby was pronounced dead at about 2:15 a.m., according to police. He was shot in the head, police said.
The couple's 3-year-old son was also in the car. He was reportedly unharmed.
Police are not releasing the names of the parents at this time. They are both 22 years old.
The two gunmen are described as men wearing dark-hooded sweatshirts; they were seen fleeing from the scene, Liu said. The men were specifically firing at the victims' vehicle, he said.
Police Chief Ron Davis announced a $25,000 reward for any information that could lead to the suspects' capture. Police chaplains conducted a vigil on the block where the shooting occurred Sunday afternoon.
Anyone with information about the triple shooting is encouraged to call or send a text message to East Palo Alto police at 650-409-6792.
Witnesses can also send tips to epa@tipnow.org.
Comments
Menlo Park
on Jun 5, 2011 at 9:48 am
on Jun 5, 2011 at 9:48 am
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
East Palo Alto
on Jun 5, 2011 at 10:11 am
on Jun 5, 2011 at 10:11 am
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
another community
on Jun 5, 2011 at 10:18 am
on Jun 5, 2011 at 10:18 am
Really? Way to blame a victim. These people were injured and their baby KILLED hours ago, and you're questioning why they were out at that time? Newsflash: bad things happen everywhere, all the time. People are killed in random places at random times, or even in their own homes. This little life was lost. Have some respect.
Midtown
on Jun 5, 2011 at 11:46 am
on Jun 5, 2011 at 11:46 am
I am beginning to rethink my opposition to capital punishment. Pathetic, moronic thugs like this are the worst that humanity has to offer. If they were REAL men, they would come forward and admit that they murdered a baby.
East Palo Alto
on Jun 5, 2011 at 12:01 pm
on Jun 5, 2011 at 12:01 pm
There goes the summer...WRECKLESS judgement..I cant belive this a child are you serious..I have five and would do anything for them anything.GOD PROTECT MY SOIL FROM EVIL FOR IT IS COMING..YOU DONT **** WITH KIDS PERIOD..
Adobe-Meadow
on Jun 5, 2011 at 12:38 pm
on Jun 5, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Put the grand thief in jail.
East Palo Alto
on Jun 5, 2011 at 1:52 pm
on Jun 5, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Heart-breaking. I know so many families here that have all day parties that go late and the kids just have so much fun running around playing, eating, relaxing. I can't imagine having a wonderful time & then it turns into such a tragedy. Reading between the lines, there are informed assumptions easily made, but it seems very disrespectful to voice them right now. I am so truly sorry for this devastating loss. It's honestly rare that an innocent is killed here, but this is one of those sobering times. I can't imagine how the toddler must be doing, either. I hope these horrible killers are apprehended swiftly & peacefully.
another community
on Jun 5, 2011 at 2:39 pm
on Jun 5, 2011 at 2:39 pm
I watched first-hand the violent deterioration of East Palo alto from 1955 until leaving in 1966. It appears that the gang culture has just continued on from one generation to the next, regardless of racial make-up. Unfortunately, some things never change. What a pathetic situation right in the middle of Silicon Valley.
Mountain View
on Jun 5, 2011 at 3:20 pm
on Jun 5, 2011 at 3:20 pm
i ws born and raised in east palo alto i left 11yeas ago to make sure my childern had a better life i seen the good and the bad while growning up wow my parys go out to the family that lost their love one i lost a love one or shall i say i lost many loveones in east palo alto
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jun 5, 2011 at 3:52 pm
on Jun 5, 2011 at 3:52 pm
Such a sad story, crime in EPA produces lots of sad stories all the time. Can't really believe that crime there has plummeted!
Old Palo Alto
on Jun 5, 2011 at 4:06 pm
on Jun 5, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Really PA Weekly?! You remove a comment that questions why the parents were out that late with a 3 month old and a 3 year old? I don't see how that comment is so terrible--or that out of line to question? There has got to be more to this story.
Adobe-Meadow
on Jun 5, 2011 at 4:23 pm
on Jun 5, 2011 at 4:23 pm
These blame the victim comments are very cruel when a baby is murdered! Why can't Palo Alto be more sensitive, at least on the first day after a death?
East Palo Alto
on Jun 5, 2011 at 4:28 pm
on Jun 5, 2011 at 4:28 pm
A lot of families in EPA have late family-centric parties - there's no crime & it's not our business that they were out late. Small children can be bedded down at family parties - it's very common, espec. in extended families. If this was an intentional shooting & they left anytime after dark, this probably still would've happened.
another community
on Jun 5, 2011 at 5:44 pm
on Jun 5, 2011 at 5:44 pm
When I was growing up, my family had big parties that would last till the early morning. We would cook, sing, eat and talk story. I remember running around and playing with my cousins, making up little skits, using our imaginations. When it was time time to go to bed, us kids would have a sleep over in a bedroom, while our parents talked about thing that would bore us. When it was time to go home, I remember my father carrying me out to the car as I pretended to still be asleep. Those are some of my favorite memories growing up and I don't think my parents neglected me.
College Terrace
on Jun 5, 2011 at 7:58 pm
on Jun 5, 2011 at 7:58 pm
Crime plummeting in EPA???? Is that what the article says just below this headline? I don't think so....
East Palo Alto
on Jun 5, 2011 at 11:00 pm
on Jun 5, 2011 at 11:00 pm
That is pretty late to have a baby out, especially a three month old baby. However, there also shouldn't be people who are careless carrying guns thinking it's alright to shoot at random things or people. I'll keep you guys in my prayers.
East Palo Alto
on Jun 6, 2011 at 1:07 am
on Jun 6, 2011 at 1:07 am
what does 3am have to do with anything, a child was murdered! If being out a 3am has something to do with bad parenting, then 3am being a dangerous time to be out specifically, has something to do with bad citizen protection, ineffective policing, wherever you want to place the blame, that makes more sense than the parents.
East Palo Alto
on Jun 6, 2011 at 8:46 am
on Jun 6, 2011 at 8:46 am
I was born and raised in East Palo Alto. I have never been shot in my life. I live a pretty happy life. I graduated high school and went on to college and am a successful product of this community. There are many others just like me in EPA. The shooting in this article was intentional. It was not random. I'm simply saying this so outsiders stop believing that all of EPA is bad. Not everyone is on drugs or is gang related. We often times only get media coverage on stories like this. What happened early Sunday morning is a major tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims. Let's support our police by helping them solve this crime.
Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jun 6, 2011 at 9:18 am
on Jun 6, 2011 at 9:18 am
Voice - Yes, that it true. Palo Alto residents who read articles on our website everyday only hear about the bad crimes that occur in EPA. So yes, EPA is perceived as a city of crime.
East Palo Alto
on Jun 6, 2011 at 9:30 am
on Jun 6, 2011 at 9:30 am
It is horrible that a family can not attend a baby shower in this city and be safe doing so. Some of you ask why a family would be up at this hour with their small children... I have better question.
What were the young killers doing up at that hour? Shouldn't they have been at home in bed? They are the ones in the wrong for killing a baby and shooting up a family.
East Palo Alto
on Jun 6, 2011 at 9:33 am
on Jun 6, 2011 at 9:33 am
Dam thats hella cold. Rip. Wow. As a parent I cant imagine the pain they feel. Speechless. I wouldn't have my kid out at a party past 8-9pm esp a 3month old. My elementary kid is in bed by 9pm(weekdays) 10pm(weekends)but thats just me.
Menlo Park
on Jun 6, 2011 at 10:41 am
on Jun 6, 2011 at 10:41 am
Does it really matter why they were out? As parents we have parties, family gatherings, late night doctor visits, etc. A 3 month old can sleep in their carrier, the toddler in someone else's bed...who cares? If this happened in any other non-crime ridden City you would assume... "maybe the parents were coming home from Tahoe." Have a heart. Please, this is horrific. My heart goes out to the family and that poor 3 year old who had to witness this tragic and terrifying event and the lasting effects this will cause them. The death penalty exists for people like this. I hope they find them soon and justice is served before they can hurt anyone else.
East Palo Alto
on Jun 6, 2011 at 10:50 am
on Jun 6, 2011 at 10:50 am
Festivities among the families who reside in this community are family-centered. All ages are included and it is not unusual for parties and visiting to go late. We can not respond by questioning what the children were doing out so late. The children were with their parents leaving a family-oriented event. Curfews are for unaccompanied children. The response I would have expected is an out pouring of sadness, willingness to assist police in providing information leading to the capture of the suspects, prayers and concern for the victims in the aftermath of this crime. Instead we blame the parents, conclude or continue to believe that E. Palo Alto is a bad place--as if people didn't raise families here and as if crime never occurred any place outside of EPA. This is sad. Only sad.
Charleston Gardens
on Jun 6, 2011 at 10:54 am
on Jun 6, 2011 at 10:54 am
Death penalty. Period.
another community
on Jun 6, 2011 at 11:20 am
on Jun 6, 2011 at 11:20 am
If the suspects or suspects are charged and convicted after a fair trial then I feel they should be executed in a timely manner.
I would rather have my tax dollars spent sending a poor good kid and student to college, instead of spending a single dollar keeping cold blooded murderers alive for year after year in prison.
I'm sorry, killer animals are eliminated all over the world for praying on humans. At least animals are preying out of instinct, to eat and survive most times. I don't see animals being locked up for years at great public expense for the rest of their natural life.
If nothing else they should charge the families of the convicted murderers the prison costs to keep their murdering family member in prison. If the family is unable to pay the costs then the murderer is killed.
If the convicted murderers family does not have the resources to pay the money for prison costs then the inmates family can do work for the State on weekends and or evenings to reimburse the State for the expense. Again, if they don't do the work then their murdering family member is killed.
Maybe some of these parents will start taking an active roll in raising decent people who know and practice right from wrong if they know failure to do so could lead to prison costs being shouldered by them if they fail.
Charleston Gardens
on Jun 6, 2011 at 11:33 am
on Jun 6, 2011 at 11:33 am
Excuse me, but is an ad with a happy toddler really the best placement next to an article about a dead child?
Charleston Gardens
on Jun 6, 2011 at 11:43 am
on Jun 6, 2011 at 11:43 am
@Jake: Your comments make sense, but will fall upon largely deaf ears in this area. People say that the death penalty costs more than keeping these people alive in prison. California makes it so by allowing too much time for these people to run appeals. I believe the death penalty should be revamped, with a higher burden of proof, after all, nobody wants innocent people put to death.
The trouble with 'life in prison' is the word: LIFE. These scumbags made a CHOICE to murder another person. When you cross that line, when you make the choice, you have taken on the risk of the death penalty. I stayed home the other night, watched TV. Didn't hurt anybody, therefore, I am not facing the death penalty. See? Easy as that. I have a major objection to people being allowed to LIVE when the person they murdered has their existence terminated on the spot. I get tired of the 'cruel and unusual punishment' argument, since most murders are gruesome and excessively cruel. Again, why should a murderer enjoy rights that were not accorded to their victim? I see people like Tex Watson (Manson murders) or Ramon Salcido (mass murders, 1989, Sonoma County) living their LIVES in prison, having children, administering to 'ministries', hell, Ramon Salcido actually poses for pictures with children after savagely murdering two of his own, (and gravely wounding the third, shows no remorse, by the way) and he get's to LIVE??????? WHY SHOULD SOMEONE ELSE GET TO HAVE THE LIFE THEY DENIED ANOTHER?
Adobe-Meadow
on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:46 pm
on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:46 pm
The Chronicle says the EPA police have already made an arrest in this case: Web Link
Charleston Meadows
on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:54 pm
on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:54 pm
I lost my opposition to the death penalty when I saw interviews with young offenders and realized that they do not value life. They don't even value their own lives. When asked "Aren't you afraid that your violent life will someday kill you?" they responded. "Yeah, so what?" That kind of person does not get rehabilitated. They just live on the public dime for the next 60 years in prison. And oh yeah, the lates reality is that prisons are having to build nursing facilities to keep the ELDERLY prisoners happy and healthy. This is freakin' ridiculous! I've had enough. Bring it back. Ending the DP was an experiment that has failed.
East Palo Alto
on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:55 pm
on Jun 6, 2011 at 12:55 pm
It's too bad- well it's too bad you don't have much to contribute. Return to your Duveneck bubble :) I went to school there over 20+ years ago. Nothing has changed.
Charleston Gardens
on Jun 6, 2011 at 1:03 pm
on Jun 6, 2011 at 1:03 pm
How do you feel about prisoners, including those on death row getting organ transplants? They get free medical and excellent dental. Wish I could afford the quality of health care they are receiving.
They get special diets, not according to their health requirements, but to their religion. They get conjugal visits. They have family visitors. They have prison accounts with money in them to purchase anything from toothpaste to a television. They have LIVES.
When is the last time you saw a murder victim get to purchase a television much less visit with their family? Oh that's right, they can't, they are dead and buried because of the willful actions of another.
Remember people, the baby boy who was murdered will never get to experience another day of life...unlike his murderers.
Leland Manor/Garland Drive
on Jun 6, 2011 at 1:12 pm
on Jun 6, 2011 at 1:12 pm
@enough
you said it is enough,period.
it is so amazing that in other country,they let grand thief go with minior labor punishment,and they put the killer to death within a year after the conviction.yet people here say that this country is oppressive.
Menlo Park
on Jun 6, 2011 at 1:14 pm
on Jun 6, 2011 at 1:14 pm
I am to from EPA and this is so sad…and you people should be a shame of yourselves talking about why the parents have the kids out at such a time,. I’m sure a lot of people wonder that but it seems this family was a target whether it was 1 am or 9 pm its possible this would have still happened. Do you not think that this mother is not kicking herself for having her children out this late. She has to deal with that and not you stupid people with your stupid comments. She may read this and feel even worse than she already does. I am a mother of 2 and pregnant with a baby girl and just the thought of losing my sons or the baby in my stomach brings tears to my eyes…we all can make better choices but they have been punished enough and do not need to read comments like these. And ive always known latinos to party late!! And it seems to me they stick together than other race and will do a lot to feed their families….and im black and loving being black but a fact is a fact…god bless this families heart
Old Palo Alto
on Jun 6, 2011 at 1:35 pm
on Jun 6, 2011 at 1:35 pm
This is so sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to this family! Funk or no funk, drama or no drama, a child is a child...WTH is wrong with people??!!
Meadow Park
on Jun 6, 2011 at 2:05 pm
on Jun 6, 2011 at 2:05 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
another community
on Jun 6, 2011 at 2:11 pm
on Jun 6, 2011 at 2:11 pm
I agree with "Voice" about the misperceptions of EPA. I too was raised in EPA since I was born. I attended EPA schools, was bused to M-A high, then graduated from UC Berkeley. It's the few bad ones commiting these crimes that make EPA look bad for the rest of us. And the media doesn't help, either. But this is another whole topic, isn't it?
Green Acres
on Jun 6, 2011 at 2:17 pm
on Jun 6, 2011 at 2:17 pm
[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]
Green Acres
on Jun 6, 2011 at 2:29 pm
on Jun 6, 2011 at 2:29 pm
[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]
Charleston Gardens
on Jun 6, 2011 at 2:56 pm
on Jun 6, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Oddly, if you really think about it, the debate here should not be about time, location, or race. This is about two sociopaths who had no problem gunning down a family of four. Don't be naive, this can happen anywhere to anyone.
East Palo Alto
on Jun 6, 2011 at 3:00 pm
on Jun 6, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Dam mistaken ID. Aint that a b. And the guys still lurking in the area 16 & 17 with multiple firearms. Wow. This is the future generation?
another community
on Jun 6, 2011 at 4:49 pm
on Jun 6, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Gang related shootings can be stopped. Keep kids at home!
Registered user
another community
on Jun 7, 2011 at 11:11 am
Registered user
on Jun 7, 2011 at 11:11 am
Reading some of the comments here makes me lose faith in humanity, as does this heinous, senseless tragedy and crime. How shameful to put ANY blame on the innocent victims. Where is your outrage at the cowardly murderers and their parents? It takes lots of guts to pull the trigger at a woman and her infant children in the back seat, right?
The one who made the most sense to me was the poor young mother who was lamenting the loss of her precious infant son and speaking from her heart to the parents of the killers and to the enigma of life: that bad things happen to good, innocent people. A young family has been destroyed here. Have some respect and compassion for them.
I also agree that criminals should work for their upkeep in prison. And that their families should be held financially accountable to the victims. Thank you EPA Police for aggressively going after these shameful punks.
Registered user
East Palo Alto
on Jun 7, 2011 at 9:29 pm
Registered user
on Jun 7, 2011 at 9:29 pm
Thank you, Enough! & Ladrome, for your timely, precise comments that are right on. This poor baby & his family - it's unconscionable.