The man arrested in connection with a shooting Sunday evening that left an 11-month-old baby dead in Syracuse pleaded not guilty during an arraignment held Tuesday morning.
Investigators have charged 23-year-old Chavez Ocasio with second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, violation of parole and tampering with physical evidence, alleging he was part of an attack on a car on Grant Avenue.
Police say two women were in the vehicle with their children in the backseat, when someone opened fire just before 7 p.m. Sunday night.
The driver stopped on Lincoln Avenue when she realized the kids were shot.
Dior Harris, 11 months, died. An 8-year-old and a 3-year-old were injured, but are expected to recover.
Investigators have not discussed a motive for the attack yet.
Some local advocates are hoping this is a moment where change can happen. OGs Against Violence Founder Clifford Ryan says neighbors need to stand up, and city leaders need to step up, too.
"We have to take time as a city to come together and strengthen our community in a way we can prevent tragedies like this from happening," said Ryan.
An emotional vigil was held Monday night in honor of Dior.
In court papers, police say at least five shots were fired from another vehicle, from an illegally-possessed firearm. Using survellience video, they identified the vehicle and found it was registered to Ocasio.
During questioning, police say Ocasio intentionally cleared all of the data on his cell phone. He faces a charge of tampering with physical evidence.
Ocasio is currently being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center with no bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing this Friday.