2 convicted in shooting death of Brooklyn toddler in his stroller

NEW YORK -- Two men charged in the shooting death of a toddler being pushed along a street in a stroller were convicted on Thursday.

The convictions of Daquan Breland and Daquan Wright in the death of 16-month-old Antiq Hennis in September 2013 were announced by Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson.

"The tragic death of this innocent baby is an example of the devastation gun violence can wreak on our communities," Thompson said. "These defendants showed utter disregard for human life, and we will be asking that each of them receives the maximum sentence."

Breland and Wright had pleaded not guilty. Following a jury trial, Breland was convicted of murder and criminal possession of a weapon, and Wright was convicted of criminal possession of a weapon.

Breland, 25, faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison and Wright, 21, faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when they are sentenced next month.

Antiq was shot as his father, Anthony Hennis, was pushing him in his stroller in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. Prosecutors said Wright handed a gun to Breland, who fired several shots. Authorities said Anthony Hennis was the target and the shooting may have been gang-related.

Breland and Wright were arrested in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the day Antiq was buried. Breland offered his condolences to Antiq's family and said the killing was an "evil act" he has to live with. He told the Daily News from jail that "remorseful doesn't even describe what I feel."

He said he never intended to hurt the toddler.

"I could never do that to an innocent little baby," he said. "It's not in my heart."