Body Of 5-Year-Old Boy Found Beaten In Dumpster

A Los Angeles man has been charged with murder after the body of his girlfriend's five-year-old son was found in a dumpster.

According to PEOPLE, Brycson Malik Gaddis is facing one count of murder and one count of assault on a child causing death in connection with the killing of Elyjah Hearn, 5. Authorities believe Gaddis beat 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 walking with a woman on the street near where Elyjah’s body was later found. The man was seen carrying something wrapped in a blanket. The next day, the child’s remains were discovered in a commercial parking lot dumpster in the same area.

Gaddis appeared in court on Monday (August 18) and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

A GoFundMe created to support 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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