Authorities in Los Angeles are investigating the heartbreaking death of a young boy whose body was found near a dumpster in a Panorama City parking lot early Saturday morning.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the child, believed to be between 3 and 4 years old, was discovered around 7 a.m. on July 12 in the 8200 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
“This is horrific, and it impacts every single one of us,” said LAPD Detective Meghan Aguilar, speaking with ABC7. “You don’t have to be a parent to feel the weight of something like this. No child deserves to be treated this way.”
Authorities say the boy’s body was found discarded near dumpsters in the rear of the lot. The LAPD’s Juvenile Division – Abused Child Unit is leading the investigation, and the coroner’s office will determine the official cause and manner of death.
“We have officers canvassing the area for surveillance footage and potential witnesses to figure out how this poor young child ended up here,” Det. Aguilar told Fox 11.
The child’s identity has not yet been released, and no arrests have been made.
Later that day, community members gathered for an impromptu vigil to honor the child.
“It really weighs on the heart,” said Corey Watkins, a local resident, in an interview with KTLA5. “A 3- or 4-year-old — so innocent. They trust the adults around them to protect them.”
Christian Sanchez, whose family runs a nearby banquet hall, said the child was found just steps from where their business disposes of trash. “I’m a father. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain that little baby went through,” he said. “Four years old — can you imagine?”
Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or visit www.childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7, free of charge, and offers assistance in more than 170 languages.
