A toddler was found dead Saturday morning in the middle of a Texas street, authorities said.
"The incident is being investigated as a murder and the investigation is active and ongoing," the Dallas Police Department said in a release. "Officers are canvassing the area and asking for the public’s assistance, especially any neighbors who may have any knowledge or video regarding this incident."
The unidentified boy was discovered with multiple wounds about 5:30 a.m. CT in the 7500 block of Saddleridge Drive, Executive Assistant Chief Albert Martinez told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.
He did not provide details about how the child was killed, but said investigators believe an "edged weapon" was used. Martinez also described the circumstances of the case as "unusual."
"Unfortunately a small child was lost today in our city through a violent act and we will pursue justice to find whoever did this and bring some sort of closure, not only to family but to the community," he said, according to the news station. "We are shocked. We are very angry about what has happened to this small child."
Antwainese Square, who lives in the neighborhood, was on a morning walk when she saw the child's body on the street.
She initially thought it was a dog, she told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. But as she got closer, Square noticed she was looking at a body and called 911.
"The baby didn't have shoes, he didn't have a shirt on and he was just laying there," Square, a mother of three and an educator, said. "For a kid to have to go through that, that's just disturbing, and that's disturbing for me to carry all day."
The FBI's crime scene unit has been called to assist Dallas police in the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the department's child abuse unit at 214-275-1300.
This is a developing story; please check back for updates.
