A California town is mourning the death of a 9-month-old baby in a drive-by shooting

MERCED, CA (KSEE/KGPE) – On Thursday, a makeshift memorial at 12th and Q streets in Merced turned from a single teddy bear into a collection of toys as people came to pay their respects to nine-month-old Darius King Grigsby, who police say was shot and killed Wednesday while his mother and friend they walked him in a stroller.

“One of the adults who was with the child was probably the intended target, but we just don’t know that at this point. We’re still trying to piece it together,” said Joey Perez of the Merced Police Department.

Police say it was a drive-by shooting. A car drove up and fired at the mother, her companion and the child. Darius died on the spot.

“Yesterday some of our officers had a hard time dealing with the fact that they were trying to save the life of this child that had just been shot … and to be there firsthand to see that … it’s very traumatizing for everyone involved,” Perez said.

One woman who came with her grandson to drop off a toy said she has lived in the neighborhood for 30 years and has watched the neighborhood change.

“Growing up, it was a safe neighborhood. Now we have to hide nine-month-old children,” she said.

Investigators say they have collected surveillance video and are working to identify the suspect vehicle. They are asking anyone who saw or heard anything to report it to authorities, which can be done anonymously.