Scene of toddler shooting clears after final day of evidence gathering

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After three days of evidence-gathering, police have taken down the crime scene tape and cleared the scene where a 22-month-old was shot.

Aiden McClendon was shot three times on Spearing Street Friday night. He died from his injuries.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office evidence technicians worked all day Sunday in what appears to be an effort to trace a bullet’s trajectory.

According to Action News Jax Crime and Safety Expert Ken Jefferson, it’s likely JSO is keeping the state attorney’s office informed of everything they’re finding.

“They're not leaving any stones unturned,” said Jefferson.

Investigators believe the toddler’s shooting death is gang related although the boy was not the target. Jefferson said JSO is keeping a close eye on known gangs.

“The sheriff's office has them recognized and they monitor them as much as they can,” said Jefferson.

According to Jefferson, recovering and analyzing shell casings will be key.

“To see what type of weapon was used and then you match them to other crimes that have actually happened here,” said Jefferson.

Jefferson said from there it’s possible police can generate a name or a nickname which can go a long way to solving the case.

But Jefferson said the most important piece to this complicated puzzle is the public's cooperation.

"With this child being murdered, now hopefully even the hardest criminal will realize that that's out of bounds, that's totally out of bounds. Even if they're shooting and killing each other, killing a child is out of bounds and should not be tolerated," said Jefferson.

A man who identified himself as the child’s great-uncle at the scene declined to be interviewed, saying the family needs time to mourn.

There is a $20,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest in the case. If you can help police, call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-845-8477.

Cox Media Group