MIAMI — The authorities in Miami charged two teens on Wednesday in connection to the murder of a six-year-old boy who was shot while playing outside the apartment complex where he lived.
Earlier on Wednesday, police arrested Irwen Pressley, 17, and Leonard Adams, 18, in the shooting of King Carter on Saturday, Miami-Dade police Major Calvin James told a news conference.
Carter was caught in the middle of a shootout after Pressley and Adams opened fire on a rival in the apartment complex in which the boy lived, officials said.
“Right now, it appears it was some sort of beef with rival factions,” James said. “This was all about a beef.”
The teens are facing charges of attempted first degree murder and second degree murder.
Carter — whose family says he wanted to become a police officer — was playing with other children when he was shot.
His killing shocked Miami residents, who have staged demonstrations against violence and candlelight vigils.
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez offered a $20,000 reward for information about the shooters.
“We still need more information,” he said during the news conference. “There may be additional subjects out there that we need to bring to justice.”
Police are looking for a vehicle with possible bullet holes in connection to the case.
At least 67 people age 18 or younger have been fatally shot in Miami-Dade County since 2013, according to a count by local television station WPLG.
In December, a seven-year-old boy was killed inside his home by a stray bullet from a drive-by-shooting, the station reported.
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