A five-year-old Filipino-American died after members of a gang shot at the vehicle she and her family were riding in, mistaking it for their rival gang's car, in Fremont, California.
In a CBC report, California Highway Patrol Capt. Ezery Beauchamp said the victim, Eliyanah Crisostomo, and her family were on their way to a birthday party when a vehicle containing three gang members suddenly pulled up and opened fire at their vehicle on April 8.
The family told the investigators they were suddenly attacked by a red Honda Accord and shot at. The victim was said to be sitting at the back of the car next to his 11-month-old brother when he was hit by a bullet.
The three suspects, identified as Humberto Anaya, Kristi Ayala Valderrama, and Emmanuel Sarango, all members of the Surenyo Gang, were immediately arrested, the report said.
During the interrogation, the suspects said that they mistook the victim's vehicle as the one used by their rival gang, so they fired at the car.
Alameda County District Atty. Pamela Price said the victims are facing 42 years to life in prison.
"My heart goes out to Eliyanah's family. There is no reason young children should die on our Bay Area freeways. This behavior is absolutely unacceptable. We will not stand for gun violence and these three defendants will be held accountable for their despicable actions," she said.
"We continue to evaluate the evidence in the case and whatever additional charges that need to be brought will be pursued at the appropriate time," Price added.