3-Year-Old Boy Dies After Being Shot in Car Seat

3-Year-Old Boy Dies After Being Shot in Car Seat
A person holds a gun in a file photo. (George Frey/Getty Images)
Zachary Stieber
1/26/2019
Updated:
1/26/2019

A 3-year-old boy who was hit by a bullet while riding in his car seat died at the hospital, police said.

The boy was riding in a Dodge Journey being driven by his godmother in Detroit on Jan. 24 when bullets pierced the side of the vehicle and one hit him.

The child “was shot between the shoulder blades,” according to the Michigan State Police.

Paramedics rushed him to Sinai Grace Hospital, where he “was revived,” police added. The godmother was not injured.

State Police Lt. Michael Shaw said late Thursday that the boy was not in good condition.

“I would say that we need to say some prayers tonight,” he told WDIV. “It’s not looking very promising.”

The Michigan State Police said on Friday morning that the boy had died.

Police said the shooting took place when a silver four-door car, believed to be a 2014, 2015, or 2016 Mercedes, pulled alongside the vehicle and shot at it.

“The [godmother] had [the boy] in the backseat behind her when a vehicle pulled up alongside and fired one shot at her,” Shaw said.

Investigators said that the vehicle was seen on surveillance video at a nearby gas station and urged people to contact them with any information about the car or its occupants.

“We are looking for the public’s assistance for information on the homicide of a three-year-old male that occurred on the Southfield Freeway,” the Michigan State Police said.

Along with surveillance video, the police shared a still image of the vehicle. Police described the suspect driver as a light-skinned male with a full beard.

Anyone with information was asked to call 855 MICH-TIP or 1 800 SPEAK-UP.

A relative said that investigators told the family they’re not sure if the shooter or shooters were part of a high-speed chase.

“They were driving down the freeway and I guess it was some guy—they don’t know if they were chasing another car, [a] group of guys, or whatever,” Marilyn Perry, a relative, told Fox 2.

“And they were shooting. So I guess the baby probably cried and when they looked in the back seat, he was shot. I was told the bullet went through his car seat.”

Family and Friends Want Justice

The boy was identified as Christian Miller by friends family members, who want justice for the slaying.

Another 3-year-old boy was sitting right next to Christian. The group was on its way to see Sesame Street Live.

“My son and godson was in the car and I want somebody to talk,” said Mario Campbell, the father of the other 3-year-old.

Christian’s aunt, Lacresha Hunter, added to WXYZ: “You hurt our family. You hurt everybody.”