LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Detectives trying to determine who abducted a 3-week-old infant after shooting
her parents and uncle at a Southern California home have few clues and are asking for the public’s help,
officials said Monday.
about 120 miles south of Long Beach, where her relatives were shot the day before.
Her body was discovered just a few miles from the Mexican border, raising the possibility that the
assailant crossed or hoped to cross into Mexico.
Long Beach detectives believe the family was targeted for some reason but do not yet know the motive,
police spokeswoman Marlene Arrona said. They would say only that they are looking for a male suspect who
is either black or Hispanic.
The Long Beach residence showed no sign of forced entry, and nothing was taken, homicide Lt. Lloyd Cox
told the Long Beach Press-Telegram on Sunday.
"We believe that this is not a random act," Cox said. "We are going through the
backgrounds of all the individuals who live here, but it appears to be very personal."
Homicide detectives referred calls Monday to Arrona. Authorities in San Diego County referred inquiries
to Long Beach police.
The baby’s father was released from the hospital Sunday. Her mother and uncle remain hospitalized and
were listed in critical condition late Sunday. Their names have not been released.
Police on Monday defended their decision not to issue an Amber Alert for the child because they had no
description of the suspect’s vehicle.
"One of the criteria for that is having a license plate number. We don’t even have that,"
Arrona said.
"We’re really making a push today for people to come forward, to call us or send tips to our
anonymous hotline," she said. "We really need the public’s help."
An autopsy on the baby was to take place Monday.
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