Police investigating gang connection to baby's drive-by shooting death; looking for public's help

SEATTLE (AP) — A drive-by shooting that claimed the life of a baby girl in Kent is being investigated for a possible connection to a gang feud.

The Seattle Times reports that detectives are looking into the possibility the shooting was connected to the killing of a 24-year-old man in a downtown Seattle intersection in March.

The 1-year-old girl, Malijha Grant, died after being shot two weeks ago as she rode in a car with her parents. Another car had pulled up alongside them and two people inside opened fire.

In court papers Kent detectives say the girl's father had been involved with the Deuce 8 street gang, which has an ongoing feud with a gang called Low Profile following the shooting of John Gerald Williams in Seattle on March 19.

The girl's parents were not injured in the shooting.

Detective Melanie Robinson of the Kent Police Department encouraged anyone who may have witnessed the shooting to step forward. Also, police are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed something out of the ordinary just prior to the shooting between 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the shopping complex at the 210 Washington Ave Street in Kent to call police.

“Let us not forget that an innocent baby lost her life as a result of a cowardly act which resulted in fatal consequences.” Robinson said.  “If you have any information about this incident you know who you are, we are asking that you please come forward.”

Investigators are asking anyone who saw something suspicious to call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.