HPD swarms scene of 10-month-old’s slaying after two detained for questioning

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More than 24 hours after the shooting of 10-month-old boy in southwest Houston, police swarmed the scene of the crime, even as detectives questioned two men detained in the area.

“We’re out here because we want to send a message to this complex,” Chief Art Acevedo told reporters gathered outside the Nob Hill Apartments on North Braeswood.

“We want them to know that we’re committed to actually trying to take the streets back in this area,” he added.

Earlier in the day, two people were detained for questioning as a result of the increased police focus on the area, but Acevedo said it’s not yet clear whether the pair was involved in slaying. A police spokesman emphasized late Thursday afternoon that their detention may be unrelated.

“We know that people saw things here, we want to reassure them. We want to reassure witnesses that we’re going to protect them,” Acevedo said.

“And we want to reassure the suspects that we are not going to rest until we catch them,” he added, echoing his message from a press conference earlier in the day.

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Caption

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A 10-month-old, identified on a GoFundMe page as Messiah Justice Marshall, was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon in southwest Houston.

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Nob Hill resident Jim Hudson talks about crime around the apartments Thursday, June 15, 2017 after an infant was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon as his father was taking him for a walk outside the apartments in Houston. less

Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle

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The presence of security guards was visible Thursday, June 15, 2017, after an infant was shot and killed Wednesday as his father was taking him for a walk outside the Houston Nob Hill Apartments in Houston. A sign on the gate to the left informs residents of a “Care Event” meeting Thursday evening. less

Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle

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Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle

Police believe three men in their 20s are responsible for the hail of gunfire that left 10-month-old Messiah Marshall dead.

The boy’s father – who authorities did not publicly identify – was out walking with his son when the trio approached them and opened fire.

One bullet hit the boy, who later died at a nearby gas station.

“I’ve been a cop 31 years, and there’s certain lines you don’t cross,” Acevedo said.

“You don’t kill a child in front of their parent.”

Although neighbors in the area said the outburst of violence did not make them fear for their safety, the complex has scheduled a 7 p.m. meeting to discuss security concerns.

“Relatively speaking, it’s safe,” said 59-year-old Ann Estle, who’s lived in the Meyerland area her whole life. “But you don’t have to go far for that not to be the case.”