Body of 'Fun-Loving' 5-Year-Old Was Found Beaten in Dumpster, as Disturbing Video Emerges from Night of Killing
NEED TO KNOW
The body of 5-year-old Elyjah Hearn was found beaten to death in a dumpster on July 12
Elyjah's mother's boyfriend, Brycson Malik Gaddis, is accused of murdering the boy, prosecutors say
Gaddis has reportedly pleaded not guilty
A Los Angeles man is charged with murder after the body of his girlfriend's 5-year-old son was found in what prosecutors have described as a "commercial parking lot dumpster."
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged Brycson Malik Gaddis with one count of murder and assault on a child causing death.
Gaddis is accused of beating the child to death in an apartment in Panorama City on July 11, according to the D.A.'s office.
'This is truly a heartbreaking and horrific case, and our deepest sympathies go out to the young victim's family,' District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement. 'We are committed to seeking justice and will ensure this defendant is held responsible for his actions.'
The child was identified as Elyjah Hearn in a GoFundMe.
KABC obtained disturbing surveillance video from the night of the alleged murder that appears to show a man walking with a woman while holding something wrapped in a blanket on the street where Elyjah's body was found the following day.The outlet reported that Gaddis appeared in court on Aug. 18, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The boy's mother, KABC reported, was questioned by police but was subsequently released.
"Elyjah was a joyful, fun-loving child who brought light into every room he entered. He adored his family and was deeply loved in return," the GoFundMe organizer wrote. "His laughter, energy, and innocent spirit touched everyone who knew him. His life was cut short far too soon, and our hearts are broken beyond words."
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