Feb. 23--A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of killing a 1-year-old girl in Compton, authorities said.
Ray Howard Patterson was taken into custody Monday afternoon in Compton, said Los Angeles County sheriff's Det. Todd Anderson. According to online Sheriff's Department records, Patterson is being held without bail.
Patterson allegedly shot Autumn Johnson on Feb. 9 in the 300 block of North Holly Avenue. Investigators believe that about 7 p.m., Patterson walked up to a converted garage and opened fire. He then fled in a blue Impala, authorities said.
The Homicide Report: A story for every victim >>
Anderson declined to comment on what led them to Patterson. Investigators are still looking for the driver of the Impala, he said.
On Saturday, funeral services were held for the child. Her mother, Blanche Wandick, who was preparing a bottle for Autumn at the time of the shooting, said she missed her baby.
"It's just so hard. I feel like my life is over. I wish it would have been me instead of her. She was my future, my firstborn."
Patterson is due in court Feb. 24, according to online records.
nicole.santacruz@latimes.com
For more crime news, follow @nicolesantacruz on Twitter.
