LANGLEY PARK, Md. — A Maryland man has been acquitted of murder in a devastating 2024 shootout that killed a 2-year-old boy caught in the crossfire while riding in his stroller. Although Johnny Turcios, the man at the center of the case, was not found guilty of murder, he was convicted on three lesser charges and could still face a life sentence.
The incident shocked the Langley Park community and sparked a wide-ranging investigation that centered around alleged gang violence and drug-related turf disputes. On Monday, after five days of deliberations, jurors reached a partial verdict.
The Charges and Verdict
Turcios was charged with 11 counts, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and multiple weapons offenses. In the end, the jury found him guilty of:
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Attempted second-degree murder
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Conspiracy to commit murder
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Illegal possession of a regulated firearm
He was acquitted of the murder charges, including those specifically tied to the death of 2-year-old Jeremy Poou-Caceres, who was tragically killed on February 8, 2024, as he was being pushed in a stroller by his mother.
A Mother’s Heartbreak
Jeremy’s mother, who was also injured in the shooting, spoke with reporters following the verdict. Her name has been withheld for safety reasons.
“We’ve been fighting for a long time already, with my dad. Trying to get some justice for Jeremy, but I guess we’re not getting justice for Jeremy,” she said in an interview with News4.
She described how she attempted to protect her son during the chaos. “I grabbed my son and tried to save my son. That was all I could think about,” she had told Telemundo 44 shortly after the incident.
She was shot in the leg and said the trauma of that moment still haunts her. Despite the conviction on several charges, she expressed disappointment that no one has been held directly accountable for her son’s death.
Details of the Shooting
The deadly shootout unfolded near Kanawah Street in Langley Park. Prosecutors allege it was the result of a confrontation between two groups fighting over drug territory. Multiple shooters opened fire, with Jeremy and his mother caught between them.
Investigators said Turcios fired a handgun, while another suspect, Israel Fuentes Jr., allegedly used an AK-47. According to testimony, Turcios’ weapon may have jammed after discharging a few rounds.
Turcios left the scene before police arrived. Jeremy was taken to Children’s National Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Testimony from a Key Witness
A crucial part of the prosecution’s case came from David Medina, a 17-year-old who had been charged in the same case. Medina testified that he was forced into a stolen car at knifepoint by Turcios and was made to drive to the apartment complex where the shooting occurred.
According to Medina, Turcios opened fire from outside the car while Fuentes fired the AK-47. Medina claimed he remained in the vehicle and had no prior knowledge of the attack. He also said he did not possess a weapon and did not participate in the shooting directly.
In exchange for his testimony, Medina entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors. He pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact, significantly reducing his exposure to serious charges. While originally facing multiple life sentences, Medina now faces between one and six years in prison when sentenced.
Prosecutors React to the Verdict
Though the jury did not convict Turcios of murder, prosecutors emphasized that the convictions still carry significant consequences. The conspiracy to commit murder charge alone carries the possibility of a life sentence.
“I hope that [Jeremy’s family] will take at least some solace in the fact that Johnny Turcios is now being held responsible, generally, for his actions that day,” a prosecutor said.
Still, Jeremy’s mother voiced frustration, believing that the full weight of the justice system did not match the enormity of the loss.
“It’s just like they’re not putting the same attention to the fact that they killed a kid,” she said.
Defense Arguments and Lack of Physical Evidence
Turcios’ defense attorney pointed out the lack of direct forensic evidence tying him to the shooting. No DNA or fingerprint evidence connected him to any weapon recovered by investigators, and six of the charges originally filed against him were dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Despite witness testimony placing him at the scene, the defense maintained that the case lacked concrete physical proof of Turcios being the shooter responsible for Jeremy’s death.
What Comes Next
While Turcios now awaits sentencing and potentially decades behind bars, the broader case is not over. Israel Fuentes Jr., the alleged second shooter, is scheduled to go to trial in January. Prosecutors believe that Fuentes played a critical role in the attack, particularly with his alleged use of an AK-47.
Jeremy’s family hopes that Fuentes’ trial will bring additional answers—and perhaps the justice they still feel is missing.
Community Mourning and Calls for Change
The Langley Park community has continued to mourn the loss of Jeremy, whose death became symbolic of the broader impact of gun violence on innocent lives. In the months following the shooting, community leaders called for increased police patrols, expanded youth programs, and stricter gun control measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Many residents, including Jeremy’s extended family, held vigils and memorials in his honor. Flowers, candles, and toys were placed near the scene of the shooting in a growing shrine that served as both a tribute and a call for action.
Conclusion
While Johnny Turcios will face significant jail time, the fact that he was acquitted of murder has left Jeremy’s family—and much of the public—struggling to reconcile the verdict with the pain of losing a child to senseless violence.
The case highlights the complexities of the legal system, particularly in incidents involving multiple suspects and limited physical evidence. As Turcios awaits sentencing and Fuentes prepares for trial, the question of full justice for Jeremy Poou-Caceres remains unanswered.
For now, his mother and family hold on to the hope that those responsible will ultimately be held to account—and that no other family will have to endure such a devastating loss.
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