Israel Fuentes Jr and Johnny Turcios: Two men arrested for shooting of Maryland toddler near apartment complex

LEWISDALE, MARYLAND: On Friday, February 9, authorities announced the arrest of two individuals in connection with the shooting that resulted in the tragic death of a toddler in Maryland.

Israel Fuentes Jr, aged 33, and Johnny Alejandro Turcios, aged 28, both residents of Lewisdale, have been identified as the suspects in the murder of 2-year-old Jeremy Poou-Caceres in Langley Park.

The community played a crucial role in providing information that led to their identification, as stated by Prince George's County Assistant Police Chief Vernon Hale, per Fox News.

What happened with the toddler? 

Prince George's County Assistant Police Chief Vernon Hale said, "The community stepped up like no other, they were cooperative, helped our detectives develop information and evidence to get some arrests in this case."

At approximately 5:35 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, the shooting occurred near the Bedford Station Apartments in Langley Park. According to investigators, Israel Fuentes Jr and Johnny Alejandro Turcios, accompanied by at least two other individuals, were in a carjacked gold SUV.

They disembarked from the vehicle and allegedly opened fire on another group. The gunfire struck both Jeremy and his mother, who were walking in the vicinity. However, for context, Jeremy is currently in stable condition.

Assistant Police Chief Vernon Hale mentioned in a press briefing that officers were summoned to the scene upon receiving reports of the gunfire.

Upon arrival at the scene, authorities discovered a mother and a boy who had both sustained gunshot wounds. Paramedics arrived promptly and transported the boy to Children's National Hospital. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The mother was transported to a hospital in Washington, DC, where she is currently being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Assistant Police Chief Vernon Hale emphasized that the department is exerting all possible efforts to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for this crime.

"That baby did nothing to anyone. Did not deserve to die, because someone wants to come out here and play with guns," Hale said. 

Authorities continue their investigation 

Furthermore, at present, both Israel Fuentes Jr and Johnny Alejandro Turcios are being held in the county jail, facing charges that include first-degree murder.

Hale informed reporters that authorities are actively pursuing the search for additional suspects in connection with the case.

"Again, we're not done yet," the assistant police chief said. "We made two arrests, but there's two more out there, These are the cases we lose sleep over."