MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Two people were arrested Wednesday morning in the death of King Carter, the 6-year-old who was shot and killed outside of his family's northwest Miami-Dade home.
Miami-Dade Police confirmed early Wednesday that two underage boys were taken in for questioning in connection with Saturday's drive-by shooting at the Blue Lake Village apartment complex at 1225 NW 103rd Lane.
The suspects have been identified as Leonard Adams, 18, and Irwen Pressley, 17. After being questioned, Adams was taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and Pressley was taken to juvenile detention.
Pressley was taken out of his Opa-locka apartment in handcuffs before being brought to the police station. Witnesses said police searched the apartment and roof for evidence.
Both suspects will be charged with attempted first-degree murder and second-degree murder, Miami-Dade police Acting Director Alfredo Ramirez III. said at a news conference later in the day.
According to Ramirez, the suspects and target of the shooting had been feuding on social media. He said the pair, who may have been joined by others, drove to the apartment complex, got out of the car and began shooting inside the complex, striking King.
According to an arrest report, Adams was driving the car when the friends spotted the intended target. "Ju Ju" standing by a stairwell.
Detective said Adams parked the car and the pair approached Ju Ju, and both fired their weapons. Ju Ju was injured, but King, who was walking across the parking lot to buy candy was struck in the chest, the report said.
Detectives said Ju Ju shot back at the suspects, striking Adams in the neck.
They said the suspects got back in their car and drove away.
King's father told Local 10 News that Ju Ju called him to apologize and then called police to turn himself in and give his side of the story.
"He's so sorry," Santonio Carter said. "He was crying, yelling to the top of his lungs (that) he was sorry."
Carter said the teen told him that he knew Carter helps out kids in the neighborhood and said the shooting should never have happened to his family.
"Great work so far. We still have long days ahead of us to bring closure," Miami-Dade police Director Juan Perez tweeted after the announcement of the arrests. "Proud of the effort by our personnel."
Authorities, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez and State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle all thanked the community for coming forward with information after the shooting.
"Miami-Dade police has your back," Ramirez said. "If you have information about killings call police. We're here to help you."
Fernandez Rundle added, "Don't let fear hold our community hostage."
Gimenez also warned criminals that detectives will not stop searching for those responsible for shootings in Miami-Dade County, whether the shooting resulted in a death or not.
"Every shooting, we're going to track you down," Gimenez said.
According to the arrest reports, both suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime, and a GPS monitor placed Pressley at the scene of the crime.
Pressley is on probation for strong arm robbery and felony probation for a separate strong arm robbery. Adams also has a prior criminal history which includes charges of felony battery and possessing a firearm on school property.
"It start with us the parents," King's mother, Monica Smith, told Local 10 News. "We gotta do better in parenting these kids. Anyone can get a gun."
More people are expected to be questioned in the shooting. Homicide Bureau Major Calvin James said police are searching for an older 2000-model black Lexus that may have bullet holes in it.
Pressley's family refused to comment Wednesday.
A $26,000 reward had been raised for information leading to an arrest. Carter's family and local activists had held several rallies since his death calling on the community to come forward with information.
Detectives said the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
