Messiah Marshall died at the scene.
A little boy was fatally shot in his father's arms and Texas cops are now searching for three men believed to be involved.
The tragedy unfolded Wednesday afternoon as 10-month-old Messiah Marshall walked outside with his 22-year-old father as he took out the trash from a Houston home.
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Police say three men then approached the dad and one of them opened fire.
The man grabbed his son and tried to run away. Just then, the child was struck.
His father flagged down an officer and paramedics were called.
"He was screaming and said 'somebody shot my baby,'" eyewitness Mari Hidalgo told KTRK.
Despite the best efforts of first responders, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said Messiah was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a press conference Wednesday, Acevedo vowed his department would bring the responsible parties to justice.
"His journey was cut short by cowards who have absolutely no respect for the sanctity of life," Acevedo said.
In a heart-wrenching message posted on GoFundMe, the boy's grandmother wrote:
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we mourn unexpected and sudden passing of Baby Messiah Justice Marshall. The lord loaned baby Messiah to us for the brief period of 10 months. A beautiful soul was lost. He brought joy and laughter to all.
"This was such a tragic and suprise to the family. Would you please help us raise funds as we prepare a final farewell for Baby Messiah. We ask for your support in any amount. All donations would be greatly appreciated. God Bless you."
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The suspects are described only as three black males in their 20s. One of them was wearing a red hat and shorts and another male was wearing a white T-shirt.
Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
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