Inmate attacks California man who’s accused of murdering 9-month-old baby
The man accused of shooting and killing 9-month-old baby Darius King Grigsby was attacked by another inmate in Merced County Superior Court on Thursday.
Daevon Motshwane, 18, was in the courtroom for his arraignment hearing when inmate James C. McRae struck him in the back of the head. Within seconds, a Merced County Sheriff’s deputy stepped in and body slammed McRae. The deputy appeared to strike him once while he was on the ground.
McRae is charged with murder for the alleged stabbing to death a 40-year-old man in June of 2021.
The courtroom was cleared as additional deputies responded and McRae was taken back to jail.
Court resumed about 15 minutes later.
Motshwane, who looked slightly shaken, was recently arrested after the 9-month-old baby was being walked in a stroller by his mother and accompanied by a male friend during the afternoon of Nov. 9.
Police said a burgundy Chevrolet Trailblazer pulled up near them and the shooter opened fire.
Baby Darius was struck by at least one bullet and died at the scene, Merced Police said.
Merced police said the baby was not the intended target of the shooting but police do believe the shots were meant for the mother’s male friend.
A 17-year-old male, who is believed to be the driver, was also arrested.
Motshwane is accused of murder, along with two counts of attempted homicide and gang enhancement charges.
The baby’s aunt Elena Perez said she was shocked at the attack on Motshwane, but not sorry it happened.
“He killed an innocent baby, things are going to happen to him,” Perez said. “And I think he deserves everything he gets.”
Motshwane’s arraignment was continued until Dec. 8.
