Boy, 7, killed in Mid-City drive-by shooting is identified

Coroner’s officials have identified the 7-year-old boy who died after being shot Monday night in Mid-City.

Talaib Pecante died at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles shortly before 5:20 p.m. Tuesday, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said.

The boy, who police initially said was 9, appeared to be improving Tuesday afternoon but suffered a setback a few hours later, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

An investigation into the shooting was continuing Wednesday. A man identified as Talaib’s father urged any witnesses to come forward, KABC-TV reported.

“I can’t understand how this happened,” said the man, whom the television station did not name. “You know, the violence has to stop.”

Talaib was sitting in a car about 9 p.m. Monday in the 1900 block of South Corning Street when the four men wearing black hooded jackets opened fire, the LAPD said.

The assailants fled in a white car, police said, and the victims drove to an area hospital.

The boy was hit at least once and his mother was grazed in the leg, CBS Los Angeles reported. The mother’s boyfriend was struck in the back, KTLA-TV reported.

Police asked anyone with information to call Detectives Rolando Rodriguez or Scott Masterson at (213) 382-9470.

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