Jacksonville, FL — Two young men have been convicted in the fatal shooting of 22-month-old Aiden McClendon.
Henry Hayes and Kquame Richardson, both 19-years-old, were charged with the toddler’s death and related counts. Prosecutors say the two were targeting one of Aiden’s family members- who belonged to a rival gang- as part of a long running dispute. Aiden and his mother had just picked up his great-grandmother from work, when shots were fired. Aiden was sitting in his car seat when he was hit in January 2016, and his mother drove him to the hospital, but he died as a result of his injuries.
22 month old #AidenMcClendon got justice today. Two 19 year olds convicted of first degree murder in a drive by shooting that took his life more than two years. Great job to the #JSO Homicide Unit and @SAO4Florida. Justice served. https://t.co/OWPF4ck55e
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) July 3, 2018
Two separate juries heard testimony, with one focusing on evidence in the Hayes case and one on Richardson’s. Verdicts for both of the suspects were announced at the same time.
The trial has consisted of prosecutors painting a detailed picture of gang activity in the area, specifically focused on two rival gangs- 187 and Problem Child Entertainment. Aiden’s mother and great-grandmother also testified about what it was like inside of the car when gunshots were fired, including not originally knowing how badly the toddler was injured.
State outlining the timeline of bad blood between Problem Child Entertainment- which they say is Hayes' & Richardson's gang- & 187. 187 believes PCE murdered one of its members. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) July 3, 2018
State says even though #AidenMcClendon wasn't intended target, it is still premeditated first degree murder in the eyes of the law because the two men intended to kill that day. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) July 3, 2018
Hayes is charged with first degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, discharging firearm from a vehicle, possession of a weapon or ammunition by a Florida delinquent adult, and shooting or throwing a deadly missile. Richardson faces murder, two counts of attempted first degree murder, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, and shooting or throwing a deadly missile. Both men were convicted on all charges.
The defendants will be back in court August 6th, in order to set sentencing dates. Both face up to life in prison.
#AidenMcClendon’s mother says she, too, will wait until after sentencing to do interviews. She told me, “I’m thankful that I finally got justice.” @WOKVNews @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/OfXtXYn9Zb
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) July 3, 2018
Hayes twisting back and forth in his chair as verdict is read. @WOKVNews @ActionNewsJax
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) July 3, 2018