Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Fatally Stabbing Toddler, Wounding Girlfriend In Exposition Park

EXPOSITION PARK (CBSLA.com) — A 22-year-old man who allegedly stabbed a toddler to death and critically wounded her mother has been arrested, police said Tuesday.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Lataz Gray was taken into custody without incident at a local hospital after his father notified authorities of his whereabouts. Gray will be booked on a murder charge.

Officers were sent just before 10:00 p.m. Monday to a home located in the 3500 block of Arlington Avenue.

Upon their arrival, authorities located the toddler and her mother suffering from apparent stab wounds inside their home.

Paramedics pronounced the 2-year-old girl, Maliaya Tavemy, dead at the scene.

The 22-year-old mother, who is five months pregnant, was rushed to a hospital in critical condition where she underwent surgery. She is expected to survive her injuries.

A preliminary investigation revealed the incident was not a murder suicide attempt.

CBS2's Jasmine Viel reported Gray has a history of violence and robbery. He is a known gang member and was possibly under the influence of drugs when he stabbed Tavemy and her mother.

The motive for the attack remains under investigation.