"Person of interest" in custody after 3-year-old boy found fatally shot inside Racine home

RACINE -- Racine police say a three-year-old boy was found fatally shot inside a home near 18th and Howe early Wednesday morning, July 12th. The case is being treated as a homicide -- and a person of interest is in custody.

Police said late Wednesday that person of interest is in custody, pending formal charging by the district attorney.

Officers were called to the area shortly before 6:30 a.m. after it was reported that someone was found dead. Police say a three-year-old victim was located in the upper unit of the home with a wound to his chest. The initial call to police came from a family member, officials said.

A weapon was recovered.

A neighbor close to the family said two children lived upstairs with their single father -- a man she described as devoted to his children. She said there were a couple of people living in the lower unit as well.

3-year-old child fatally shot in Racine home

Investigators are interested in any additional information that anyone may have about this crime.  Any witnesses, or citizens with information, are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at 262-635-7756.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at 262-636-9330, or text 274637 (CRIMES).  Text message should begin with RACS.