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Joshua Montes, 1 [Updated]

Joshua Montes (2011-05-23)

Joshua Montes, a 1-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Monday, May 23, in the 1200 block of East 55th Street in Central-Alameda, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Joshua was shot on the porch of a home while being held by his uncle about 8:30 p.m., LAPD officials said.

Both the toddler and the uncle, Josafat Canchola, a 46-year-old Latino, were struck in the head by a bullet.

Paramedics took them to a hospital, where Joshua died. His uncle was listed in critical condition before dying from his injuries two days later.

Police said that they believed the pair were probably unintended victims, but an investigation was ongoing.

Since the incident, the Los Angeles City Council issued a $75,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible for the fatal shooting.

Councilwoman Jan Perry said she hoped the reward would help police find whoever is responsible for this "unimaginable crime."

"These people obviously have no regard for human life, and we need to do everything in our power to find them before they hurt someone else," she said.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is asked to contact Newton Area detectives at (323) 846-6556. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

[Updated June 16: Alleged gang member charged in shooting deaths of boy, 2, and his uncle in South L.A]

[Updated June 23: Second suspect arrested in fatal shooting of boy, 2, and his uncle in South L.A.]

-- Kurt Streeter and Kate Linthicum

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