Teen Charged in Baby's Shooting Death

Van Nuys (myFOXla.com) - A 17-year-old reputed gang member was charged today with murder and other counts stemming from a shooting in Van Nuys that killed a 4-month-old boy and wounded his pregnant babysitter.

Alfonzo Landa was charged as an adult on charges of murder, six counts of attempted murder and one count of carjacking.

He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Van Nuys. His bail was set at $9.05 million.

Landa is due back in court Nov. 2, when a date will be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for him to stand trial.

The charges against Landa, whose gang moniker is "Harms," include gang and gun-use allegations.

He is accused of taking part in the 1 a.m. Sept. 27 shooting in the 14300 block of Kittridge Street that killed 4-month-old Andrew Garcia. His babysitter, 28-year-old Anna Contreras, was feeding Andrew inside a car while the baby's parents and friends, including 18-year-old Eric Ramirez, were standing nearby. Police said the group got into an argument with two people walking across the street, one of whom opened fire.

Six shots were fired, striking the pregnant woman and baby and also hitting Ramirez, police said.

Firefighters airlifted the infant to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he died of a head wound.

Contreras was also hospitalized but survived. Ramirez walked to Valley Presbyterian Hospital, where he was treated and released.

The Los Angeles City Council had offered a $50,000 reward for the two suspects.

The second suspect was still at large, according to Los Angeles police Officer Bruce Borihanh.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa attended a news conference last week to condemn the shooting and appeal for the public's help tracking down the suspects.

"As we mourn the loss of innocent life here, we must reaffirm our steadfast commitment to fighting gang crime and gun violence, with more resilience, with more determination and with even greater resources," the mayor said.

If convicted as charged, Landa faces multiple life prison terms, according to the District Attorney's Office.