A Los Angeles man has been charged with murder after authorities discovered the body of his girlfriend’s 5-year-old son in what prosecutors called a “commercial parking lot dumpster.”
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged Brycson Malik Gaddis with one count of murder and assault on a child causing death.
According to the D.A.’s office, Gaddis allegedly beat the child to death in 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.”
The child, identified as Elyjah Hearn on a GoFundMe, became the focus of a community grieving his tragic death.
KABC obtained surveillance video from the night of the alleged murder, which appears to show a man walking with a woman while carrying something wrapped in a blanket on the street where Elyjah’s body was discovered the next 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 later 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.”
