Miami-Dade police say three-year-old Elijah LaFrance was shot and killed at his birthday party Saturday night.
NBC 6 reported the shooting took place just after 8 p.m. near N. Miami Avenue and NE 158 Street. The toddler was standing in the doorway when he was shot with a semi-automatic weapon. A 21-year-old woman was also shot but is expected to recover. Elijah LaFrance was taken to the hospital by police but later died.
According to the Miami Herald, it is believed that someone at the party was the target, and at least 70 rounds were fired. Police are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Miami-Dade Police Department.
The police are offering a $15,000 reward for information related to the shooting.
SEEKING INFORMATION: On 4/24/21, Elijah LaFrance was killed in the area of N. Miami Avenue & NE 158 Street. Anyone with information is urged to contact @CrimeStopper305 at (305) 471-8477 or by dialing **TIPS. pic.twitter.com/gNtJF9OUjH
— Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) April 26, 2021
Adrian Ancestor, the boy’s cousin, told NBC 6 that he would add $10,000 to the reward, making the total $25,000.
The police department gave condolences to the family and claimed they are utilizing all resources available to find those responsible.
“As a member of this community, I am completely devastated. I’m disgusted,” said Miami-Dade Police Department Director Alfredo Ramirez III. “This is ridiculous and I can assure you — to the family, my condolences to the family — and I can assure you that all the resources of the Miami-Dade Police Department will be deployed to bring these subjects into custody.”
