Detectives have identified three suspects in the drive-by shooting of 3-year-old boy killed Wednesday night.
Officers are asking for help locating Gabriel Quintero, 20, and two juveniles, one 16 and one 17. Quintero is a validated gang-member, according to Sheriff's spokesman Deputy Jason Ramos. The suspects are believed to have been driving a 1999 white Ford Expedition.
Jorge Azios Jr., 22, was driving a sports-utility vehicle westbound on Loucreta Drive in the Florin area at about 11 p.m. July 4, when more than a dozen rounds were fired at the vehicle. The bullets killed Azios' young son, Jorge Azios.
On Thursday, family and friends gathered at the intersection of Palmer House Drive and Loucreta Drive in south Sacramento for a candlelight vigil in honor of the toddler. Over the weekend, the family planned to hold a barbecue and carwash that Azios' aunt, Felicia Gutierrez, said would help to pay for the funeral costs.
Sheriff's spokesman Deputy Jason Ramos said the department does not believe the shooting was random, but added that it is unlikely the boy's father was the intended target. In the dark of night, it was unlikely that the shooters could see who was driving the SUV, he said.
"We think they are on the run, likely protected or hidden by friends and family members. We are hoping that because of the nature of this crime that they will turn themselves in or someone will call," Ramos said.
The weapon has not been recovered and may still be in possession of the suspects, Ramos said.
Anyone who had contact with any of the suspects on the evening of July 4 or knows their whereabouts is asked to call the Major Crimes Bureau's tip line at (916) 874-3152 or the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (916) 874-5115. Calls may be made 24 hours a day.
Editor's note: This post has been changed to delete the names of two juvenile suspects. It is The Bee's policy not to name juvenile crime suspects.
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