Police: Grandfather Charged in Killing of Toddler Grandson

A grandfather is now behind bars and charged in connection with the murder of his almost two year old grandson.

Gwinnett County Police arrested 39 year old Luis Efrain Torres and charged him with felony murder and aggravated assault.

Police arrived to Torres' home at 5238 Stafford Drive in unincorporated Lilburn just before 10pm Tuesday. Upon their arrival, officers found 23 month old Deandre Vega of Norcross shot in the driveway of the home. Vega was taken to the hospital by ambulance where he later died from his wounds.

"His second birthday was less than three weeks away," said GCPD Cpl. Jake Smith in a release.

Investigators say the boy's parents went to Torres' home. An argument started between Torres and Vega's father.

During the argument, police say Torres pulled out a gun and fired several shots at the child's father in the driveway. One of those bullets struck the little boy.

Torres stayed on the scene when officers arrived. He was taken into custody without incident. He was booked into the Gwinnett County Detention Center at about 2:30 Wednesday morning where he is being held without bond.

Editor's Note: We received a correction from Gwinnett County Police saying they incorrectly reported Vega as 2 years old and weeks away from his third birthday. He was 23 months old and weeks away from his second birthday. We have updated the story to reflect the correction.