Tuscaloosa Police Seek 3 Persons of Interest After Drive-By Kills 2, Including Infant

The full forces of all police agencies in Tuscaloosa County are uniting to find answers after a Sunday afternoon drive-by shooting claimed two lives, including that of a 2-year-old child.

The multi-agency Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit is tasked with investigating all homicides in the county, and their commander, Captain Jack Kennedy, said police will work tirelessly and relentlessly to bring closure to this case.

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On Monday morning, Kennedy told local media that the deadly shooting was first reported Sunday around 4:30 p.m.

It took place in the 3000 block of 19th Street, near Freemon Park in West Tuscaloosa.

Kennedy said witnesses reported a white car, sedan or small SUV with three or four people inside pulled up to the scene and at least one suspect opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle, killing a 25-year-old man and critically injuring the infant.

Kennedy identified the deceased man as Marcus Winston, Jr. The VCU is not publicly releasing the identity of the child who was killed to protect the privacy of the surviving family.

He also said the infant and Winston were not related.

Kennedy asked the public to immediately relay any information they have on the shooting to the VCU, the Tuscaloosa Police Department or any law enforcement agency in the region.

He also said the VCU is urgently seeking to speak to three persons of interest who may know more about the deadly drive-by. Those individuals are Deantwone Dante Long, who is also known as “Lil 30,” Tyrese Laquon Bell, also known as “Red” or "Lil Red" and Kaleria Alicia Gilbert.

UPDATE, 12:30 P.M. MONDAY: Kennedy said police have located Tyrese Bell and no longer need assistance arranging an interview with him. The other two people listed above are still wanted for questioning.

UPDATE, 4 P.M. MONDAY: Kaleria Alicia Gilbert has also been located and is no longer being sought by police.

Kennedy stressed that these three people are currently considered persons of interest in the investigation, not necessarily criminal suspects, and no charges have been filed against them at this time.

"Mr. Long, Bell and Ms. Gilbert, if you are hearing this, you need to contact us immediately. If you're involved or not involved, you need to contact us. It's our job to determine the facts of this case and if you can help, we need to speak to you," Kennedy said.  "Anyone else who witnessed this crime -- the murder of a two-year-old child -- they need to call us. If you have any information whatsoever about this, you need to call us. I can't stress enough that the entire resources of law enforcement in this county have been marshaled all night and will continue throughout the days to come to bring justice to this case."

Kennedy urged all three people listed above and anyone who knows them to immediately comply with this investigation and help police bring justice to the families of the victims killed Sunday.

Watch Kennedy's full press conference below and stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread for updates on this case as they become available.