A 10-year-old boy was found unresponsive in the Lancaster apartment where he lived with his mother and her boyfriend. The boy passed away the next day due to his severe injuries.
Anthony Avalos reportedly came out as gay in the weeks prior to his violent death.
When the boy was found, the mother reportedly said that the child had died due to fall, but autopsy revealed that the boy died because of abuse.
According to police reports, the boy had cigarette burns all over his body and severe head injuries that suggested he was abused.
The Department of Children and Family Services revealed that Anthony mentioned that “he liked boys”, and authorities are still investigating whether that was a factor in the severe abuse that led to his death.
After the incident, seven other children living in the home ranging from 11 months to 12 years were removed from the home. The children either lived at the home or were associated with the victim’s family.
Two other family members suspected child abuse and reported to the authorities three years ago. The child was taken away from the home on one occasion for several months.
There have been no charges filed against his mother, Heather Barron, and her boyfriend, Kareem Leiva.