An illegal immigrant has been arrested in connection with the murder of Jeremy Poou Caceres, 2, of Baltimore, Maryland. Caceres and his mother were at Langley Park when they were caught in the crossfire between two groups of individuals. A total of five arrests have been made in relation to the incident.
On February 8, Israel Fuentes, Jr. and Johnny Turcios arrived at Bedford Station Apartments near the park. They opened fire, which was returned by two teenagers. All four have been arrested and charged as adults; however, the teenagers’ names have not been released due to their age. According to WMAR, Nilson Granados-Trejo, 25, was later identified and arrested in connection to the shooting.
According to the Washington Post, Grandados-Trejo, an El Salvador native, is known to law enforcement due to multiple theft arrests. In 2022, Grandados-Trejo was ordered to be deported by an immigration judge in New Jersey.
Following two theft arrests in 2023, ICE filed detention retainers requesting he be held for deportation processing. The Montgomery County Detention Center did not honor the detainer requests, however, and Grandados-Trejo was released before proceedings could initiate.
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The shooting has raised public alarm not only due to failures to successfully process Grandados-Trejo’s deportation but also due to the fact the Explorer SUV used in the shooting was under active surveillance by law enforcement.
According to WUSA, a Prince George County Police Officer was assigned to surveillance the vehicle, which was reported as carjacked. The officer witnessed the vehicle pull into a parking lot and disappear from sight moments before the shooting. After the shooting, the officer witnessed two masked individuals drive away in the vehicle.
The officer rendered aid to Caceres and his mother while calling for medical assistance. The victims were transported to a local hospital; however, Caceres died from his injuries. His mother is expected to make a full recovery.
Law enforcement investigation into the case is ongoing, with further suspects sought. Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact the Homicide Unit at 301-516-2512. Anonymous tips can be made online at Crime Solvers: www.pgcrimesolvers.com, the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Callers are asked to refer to case number 24-0008189.
