A Missouri father has been charged after his 8 month old son died in a shooting in St. Louis, according to police and CNN.
Authorities said Diata, 34, left the scene in a rented black Hyundai Sonata with two of his sons following an argument with his wife. CNN reported that the two boys were later found unharmed at a relative’s home. Police later recovered the car.
St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson said the incident began as an argument. According to what the boys’ mother told police, she felt forced to get into the car with three of the couple’s six children. She told officers she tried to get out of the vehicle while holding the baby when one shot was fired toward her, and the shot struck the infant.
CNN reported that the mother ran with the baby until someone picked them up and drove them toward the hospital. Police said the father followed and tried to force that vehicle off the road. The baby was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Diata later turned himself in. According to authorities, he was charged with first degree murder, first degree domestic assault and armed criminal action. A charge is an accusation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Our thoughts are with the family.
