Kent Police are asking for the public’s help to solve a drive-by shooting that killed a 1-year-old baby girl.
Police issued a media release on Thursday in an attempt to get witnesses to come forward in connection with the April 16 shooting death of Malijah Grant at the intersection of Lake Fenwick Road and Reith Road.
“Let us not forget that an innocent baby lost her life as a result of a cowardly act which resulted in fatal consequences,” detective Melanie Robinson said in the release. “If you have any information about this incident you know who you are, we are asking that you please come forward.”
Detectives say this shooting does not appear to be a random incident. They are certain that there are people in the public with valuable information related to this shooting.
Grant was shot in the head while riding in her parents car. She died two days later at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Grant lived in Kent with her parents.
The baby was in the back seat and her parents occupied the front seat when their car, a silver Chevrolet Impala, was hit at the intersection of Lake Fenwick Road and Reith Road. A black car pulled alongside the silver car near the Lake Fenwick Estates apartments, and the driver and passenger in the black vehicle opened fire before driving off. The girl was struck as she sat in her car seat.
Police have not yet released any details about the two shooters, their make of car or possible reasons for the shooting. The shooters remain at-large.
Investigators are seeking to talk to anyone who may have seen something suspicious or possibly observed anything out of the ordinary just prior to the shooting between 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., in the shopping complex near the Safeway grocery store, 210 Washington Ave S., in Kent.
In addition, they are still seeking to talk to any witnesses who may have information related to the actual shooting which occurred at about 4:25 p.m.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911, or contact the Kent Police Department tip line at 253 856-5808.
Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound is also offering a cash reward of $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and charges of the suspects involved. Call the hotline anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit the information online at crimestoppers.com.
Police did not answer questions from the Kent Reporter about whether the shooting might be gang related, as reported on Thursday in a Seattle Times article. Detectives also wouldn’t say whether they are working with the Seattle Police on the case in connection with a separate shooting death of a man in Seattle.
“We are declining to answer and or provide any additional information at this time,” Robinson said in an email.
Police Chief Ken Thomas told the City Council at its April 21 meeting that he remained confident detectives will solve the case and arrest the shooters.
Thomas added that police were making progress in the case but he didn’t want to compromise the investigation by revealing too many details.
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