The child, Zoey Pereira, was located around 9 p.m. Sunday, May 5, when New York City Police officers responded to a 911 call for a burning vehicle at 154th Street and Baisley Boulevard, said the New York City Police Detective Annette Shelton.
Upon arrival, officers and FDNY personnel discovered a 2008 Audi sedan on fire, Shelton said.
Once the fire was extinguished, Zoey was removed from the vehicle and taken to Jamaica Hospital where she died from her injuries, said Shelton.
A 39-year-old male who sustained burns throughout his body located a short distance away was taken into custody and transported to Jamaica Hospital in serious but stable condition, she added.
According to the New York Post, the child's father was the man found burned, a short distance away. The NYPD declined to confirm the information.
Sources told the Post that the back doors of the vehicle were chained shut and that a gas canister was found in the street and another inside the car. Sources said the incident is related to a custody battle.
The medical examiner will determine the cause of death and the investigation is ongoing, the NYPD said.
This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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