Murdered Toddler's Dad Says He Was Set Up; Police Seek Third Suspect

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The shooting investigation into the death of a 1-year-old boy has now been handed over to the U.S. Marshal's Office. The child was shot while in the backseat of his father's car, who was also critically injured.

Rochelle Ritchie has more on why the father says he was set up and the new suspect police are looking for.

Despite the son's father being critically injured, he gave a detailed account to Baltimore City police, recalling the moments before the shooting and telling police one of the accused gunmen was in the vehicle with him and his son prior to the murder.

Baltimore City police are now on the lookout for Rashid Mayo, who's wanted for first-degree murder in the shooting death of 1-year-old Carter Scott. The shooting happened in Cherry Hill.

Twenty-six-year-old Cornell Harvey is one of the men already charged with his murder.

"That's a child. That's a baby. He has a mother and for them to do that, they get what they get," said Andre Parker.

In court documents, the little boy's father, Rashaw Scott, told police prior to the shooting, he received a call from Harvey. He says Harvey asked him to come pick him up so they could hang out. That's when he says Harvey told him to drive to the 1200-block of Cherry Hill Road.

"This was not a random occurrence. This was not something that just took place," said Police Commissioner Anthony Batts.

The victim, unaware of what was to come, placed his son in the back seat and parked at the Cherry Dale apartment complex.

Documents say Harvey got out to talk to a girl. The father told police Harvey nervously walked back and forth between the car, telling him, "Stay right here. Not too much longer."

Before the father could react, his car was lit up with bullets.

"It's sad. I got a kid myself. I don't know what's wrong with these people nowadays," said one woman.

Carter Scott died from the gunfire. His father was taken to the hospital in critical condition---but still able to identify Harvey as the person he says set him and his son up for murder.

Twenty-three-year-old Eddie Tarver was also charged. He ran from the shooting but was quickly taken into custody.

Now police are offering a cash reward for Mayo, their third suspect.

"This level of violence in this community--whether it's Cherry Hill or any other place in Baltimore--has to end," said Batts.

The investigation is now in the hands of U.S. Marshals as the community continues to beg for peace and the family for justice.

Carter's father had recently been acquitted on a murder charge. Police are not saying if that's what led to the shooting.