A Los Angeles man has been charged with murder after the body of his girlfriend’s five-year-old son was discovered in a dumpster.
According to PEOPLE, Brycson Malik Gaddis is charged with murder and assault on a child resulting in death in connection with the death of Elyjah Hearn, age 5. Gaddis is believed to have beaten the child to death inside an apartment in Panorama City on July 11.
“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.”
Surveillance video shows a man and a woman on the the street near where Elyjah’s body was later discovered. A man was spotted carrying something wrapped in a blanket. The child’s remains were discovered the following day in a dumpster in the same business parking lot.
Gaddis appeared in court on Monday, August 18, and pled not guilty to all charges.
A GoFundMe page launched to help Elyjah’s family described him as “a joyful, fun-loving child who brought light into every room he entered.”
“This 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,” the fundraising campaign reads.
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