Hunt Continues for 2 Men in Slaying of Boy

San Bernardino County sheriff’s officials were searching Sunday for two men who shot and killed a 2-year-old boy strapped in his car seat in an apparent case of “road rage” as they tried to cut the boy’s father off Friday night on a street in Hesperia.

Two men in a blue car cut in front of the car being driven by 2-year-old Robert Xavier James’ father as he tried to change lanes on Main Street just before 9 p.m.

The child’s mother and 6-year-old sister also were in the car.

The second car then sped up, slowed down and braked alongside the family’s car. The passenger leaned out and, with a handgun, fired a round of shots at the family.

Robert, who was in a child restraint seat in the back seat, was struck in the head and killed. His stunned father pulled his car onto the dirt shoulder of the road, as the gunmen drove away.

Sheriff’s officials said there was no indication that the killers knew the family.

The killers’ car may have been a medium to dark blue mid-1980s model Chevrolet Camaro, officials said.

“We’re really not quite sure what caused the shooting,” said Sheriff’s Sgt. Paul Cappitelli.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s homicide detail at (909) 387-3589 or WE-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME.