Detectives said Sunday they believe the person behind the disappearance of an infant from a Long Beach home and shooting of the child's uncle, mother and father may have targeted the family.
Now, police are asking for the public’s help in locating the unidentified gunman who they believe took the child.
Eliza Delacruz, just 3 weeks old and weighing 10 pounds, was missing from the home in the 100 block of 51st Street where her mom, dad and uncle were found shot Saturday evening, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
"We believe this is not a random act," said Lt. Lloyd Cox. "It appears to be very personal. Whoever came here for it, based on limited info, it was not a random act to kidnap an infant from."
The child’s father left the hospital today, but declined to speak with reporters about what happened inside the home. The child’s mother and uncle remain in critical condition at a local hospital and both have undergone surgery.
One key indication the kidnapping and shooting were personal is that there was no sign of forced entry into the home, Cox said.
Police said they do not believe the attack was gang related.
News
Top news of the day
They are looking into the background of everyone who lives in the home. Neighbors said there are several family members living there.
Next-door neighbor Maria Rodriguez said she’s never heard any arguments coming from the house, but did hear gunfire last night.
"I heard two shots. No noises, nothing else," she said.
Detectives canvassed the neighborhood looking for witnesses, but no one saw a car leave, Lt. Cox said, so officials have not issued an Amber Alert.
But investigators believe the kidnapper must be receiving help with the infant, or someone may have noticed that someone came into possession of an infant in the last 12-24 hours.
"He’s got to have somebody care for that child and that person will come forward or send us an anonymous tip," Cox said. "Something that will give us a clue where to go."
An earlier version of this story indicated the child's uncle had been released from the hospital while her father remained hospitalized.
