Hunt Continues For 3 Suspects In Stray Bullet Death Of Irvington Toddler
IRVINGTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The hunt continues for three men in connection with the death of a New Jersey toddler who was killed by a stray bullet that entered her family's apartment.
Essex County prosecutors said the men were wearing hoods as they walked up Ellis Avenue in Irvington Saturday afternoon, spraying bullets as they went.
Two of the bullets struck a window and an air conditioner in Issam Houston's house inches from where his mother sleeps.
"It went right to the left side of her headboard," he said.
Another bullet apparently passed through a wall and hit 15-month-old Sania Cunningham, who was bouncing on a bed in a bedroom as both her parents watched.
They immediately took the child to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
"The mother was crying," said neighbor Ivy Muhammed. "The father just trying to stay calm, but you could see the emotion on his face."
Prosecutors said the family had moved into the second floor apartment just two days before.
As investigators continue their search for the three suspects, frustrated neighbors said even in this area where crime is common, they are in disbelief.
"The sad part of this is the young child who was killed is no drug dealer, gang banger," said community activist Thomas Ellis. "It's devastating."
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
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