JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police have made an arrest in the drive-by shooting death of 22-month-old Aiden McClendon one month ago, but only as accessory to murder.
News4Jax learned that D’Angelo Wilson was arrested Feb. 4 -- six days after the boy was killed -- as part of the follow-up investigation. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has not discussed the case, but Wilson's arrest report obtained through an open records request lists the same case number assigned to Aiden's death.
In addition to the accessory to murder charge, Wilson, 23, is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was jailed on a $1 million bond.
News4Jax crime and safety analyst Gil Smith said which information Wilson is willing to provide about others involved in Aiden's death might depend on how it could help his own case.
"If it could help their case, then they could provide information. If not, sometimes they don't," Smith said. "So it depends on what their involvement is and what type of information they could provide for police and how it could assist in his case."
Last week, the toddler's family made a desperate plea for information about who shot the boy as he sat in a car in front of his family's home on Spearing Street, on Jacksonville's Eastside. Aiden was hit by several bullets and died at the hospital.
“They were actually shooting at some young boys in my grandmother's yard, so it is something about the gang wars or whatever, but we had nothing to do with that,” said Rhonda McDowell, Aiden's grandmother.
Aiden's 8-year-old brother, Xavier Glenn Jr., said the toddler was full of life and had just learned to count to 10. He knew his ABCs and was always happy.
“It is real tough, because as soon as my grandmother told me, I was just heartbroken. I couldn't even say anything,” Xavier said. “It is like, I just can't hear that anymore, and it just hurt me real bad, not hearing him say anything.”
LISTEN: Brother has message for Aiden's killer
Aiden's second birthday would have been March 14. His family is holding a birthday party for him at Blue Cypress Park in Arlington from 1-4 p.m. March 12. Everyone is welcome.
Anyone with information on Aiden's shooting is asked to call the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.