Local

Witness: Suspects in toddler's murder responsible for another drive-by shooting

Two men accused of shooting and killing a local toddler may have been involved in another drive-by shooting just days before Aiden McClendon was killed.

An unnamed and incarcerated gang member made that claim Wednesday during day two of the trial for the two men accused of murdering the 22-month-old.

He said two weeks before Aiden’s murder in January 2016, Henry Hayes, now 19, was driving a SUV while Kquame Richard, also now 19, fired out the window, targeting 187 Gang members.

The shooting happened not far from the scene where Aiden was killed.

That witness was granted anonymity by the court.

Prosecutors contend Hayes’ and Richardson’s gang, Problem Child Entertainment, was at war with 187.

Wednesday, a JSO detective with the gang unit was asked to identify an AK-47 seized from a gang member’s home.

“Do you recognize that?” the prosecutor asked.

“Yes, I do,” said Detective Matt Bowlen.

“Is that the same gun you found during the search warrant you executed, on the path of Helena Street that's pictured in 247?” the prosecutor asked.

“Yes ma'am, it is,” Bowlen said.

The trial continues Thursday.