On December 2, 2020, police in Washington, D.C. say officers and first responders rushed to a report of a shooting involving a 15-month-old baby. The call went out in the 5700 Block of Southern Avenue in Southeast, D.C.
Authorities say the victim was discovered unconscious inside his father's vehicle. DC firefighters were reportedly in the area on another call when they heard the gunshots. The Washington Post says those first responders rushed to the scene and attempted life saving measures as quickly as possible and transported the victim to an area hospital where the child later died.

Investigators revealed the baby, identified as 1-year-old Carmelo Duncan, was shot multiple times. In the Washington Post article, they say Carmelo, "Was old enough to dance to a good beat but too young to know his favorite color." They also spoke to Carmelo's mother, 28-year-old Taquana Duncan who said, “He was the best baby ever."

Reportedly more than two guns may have been used and Carmelo's 8-year-old brother was sitting next to him when he was murdered. DC Police Chief Peter Newsham added this may have been a targeted incident and it's possible two suspects were involved, reports add.

Detectives were initially searching for a dark colored BMW X5 in the case. The SUV was located in nearby Montgomery County, Md., NBC 4 reports.

Not long after Carmelo's murder, the community reportedly organized a "Walk for Carmelo" in the child's honor in hopes of bringing awareness to his case. D.J. Rico, aka Ricardo Scott, who organized the event, spoke out to WUSA 9, "We got a one-year-old baby who lost his life for nothing. He hadn’t had a chance to even learn how to tie his shoes yet.”

A large memorial with photos of Carmelo and teddy bears sit at the intersection where he was gunned down.

There is a large reward in this case. If you have any information please contact the FBI: (202) 278-2000 or the DC Police department directly: (202) 278-2000.