Woman Arrested for Shooting 7-Month-Old Baby in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, USA. Authorities have arrested Dominique Billips, a 28-year-old woman, suspected of shooting a 7-month-old baby in Philadelphia on the night of Thursday, July 18. The incident occurred in the 4000 block of Meridian Street in the Holmesburg neighborhood.

Security camera footage shows the assailant approaching and shooting at the baby and their parents in front of a residence. In the recording, the child's mother can be heard screaming desperately, "My baby!" after the shots were fired.

"It’s incomprehensible how someone can approach a family with a stroller and open fire," commented Lieutenant Denis Rosenbaum of the Philadelphia Police.

According to authorities, one of the bullets hit the baby’s leg. However, when officers arrived at the hospital, the parents were no longer there.

"The mother and father initially went to the hospital but left due to fear of the police because of outstanding arrest warrants," explained Rosenbaum.

Later, authorities were able to locate and question the parents. During the interrogation, the parents mentioned there had been a prior argument in the 7900 block of Frankford Avenue before the shooting.

Thanks to surveillance from a nearby business, the police obtained a clearer image of the suspect. It was discovered that the dispute originated over a narcotics debt of only $100.

"A detective recognized the woman involved in the incident, as she had been a victim of a shooting in August 2022 in the 4200 block of Rhawn Street," added Rosenbaum.

Philadelphia police received a tip identifying the perpetrator, matching the description of the previous shooting victim. With the help of the highway patrol, they located the vehicle involved, known to be used by Billips.

The vehicle was found in the 5900 block of Loretto Street. There, they detained a woman who informed them that Billips was at a house in the 1300 block of Van Kirk.

"The suspect was requested to come out. She peacefully surrendered to the highway patrol officers and was taken into custody without incident," stated Rosenbaum.

The baby, who was in stable condition, will be returned to their family from CHOP. The parents' previous arrest warrants were non-violent.

"It’s tragic to see the gun pointed at the baby’s mother, who is also a minor, and fired. Fortunately, she was missed. Although the 7-month-old baby might not remember this, it will always be part of their story," concluded Rosenbaum.

Billips has been charged with aggravated assault, violation of the Uniform Firearms Act (VUFA), and other related offenses.