Family of Suspect in Toddler Killing Charged With Cover-Up
Ga. suspect's mother and sister accused of hiding alleged murder weapon
March 28, 2013— -- The mother and sister of a teenager accused of shooting a baby in his stroller have been arrested and charged with throwing the gun into a pond in an attempt to hide evidence of the killing.
Earlier this week the teenager's aunt was also arrested in connection with the murder.
The teenager, De'Marquise Elkins, 17, was formally indicted Wednesday in Glynn County, Ga., for allegedly shooting 13-month-old Antonio Santiago in the face on March 21. The baby was in a stroller when Elkins and a 15-year-old co-defendant are accused of trying to rob the child's mother and shooting the boy.
Elkin's mother Karimah Aisha Elkins, 36, has made several appearances on news outlets to insist that her son was innocent, but on Wednesday Karimah Elkins and the teenager's sister Sabrina Elkins, 19, were arrested for tampering with evidence.
According to the indictment, obtained by the Associated Press, and a police statement, the women threw the gun into a saltwater pond near Highway 17.
Karimah Elkins was additionally charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Public records indicate that Karimah has previously been convicted of criminal trespassing, simple battery and shoplifting.
The suspect's aunt, Katrina Elkins, was previously arrested and charged with making false statements. According to the indictment, she told police Elkins was with her at the time of the shooting.
Police in Brunswick, Ga., said today that after searching an area of wetlands "2.3 miles from the incident location" they discovered a handgun "submerged under water."
"At this time we cannot give a description of the firearm's name, make, model or caliber," police spokesman Todd Rhodes said in a statement.
The weapon has been sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for further testing, Rhodes said.
De'Marquise Elkins is accused to shooting baby Antonio with a .22 caliber revolver.
It was not known on Thursday if Karimah and Sabrina Elkins had retained lawyers.
