Anthony Avalos’ mother and boyfriend were sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole. for torturing and killing a 10-year-old boy.
March 7 Heather Maxine Barron, 33, from Lancaster; and Karim Ernesto Leyva, 37, were convicted in a trial after being found guilty. charges of first-degree murder and torture in connection with Anthony’s death, which occurred on June 21, 2018.
High Court Judge Sam Ohta, who found the couple guilty, announced sentences to life in prison without parole in a Los Angeles court on Tuesdayl after listening to more than two hours of testimonies from Anthony’s family and friends.
“Anthony was a helpless child who depended (on the defendants) for his basic physical needs and emotional support. Instead, Anthony was tortured and killed,” Judge Ohta said.
During the trial, the two defendants made no statements.
The 8-year-old boy was the first family member to read the statement before sentencing.
“I miss my cousin Anthony. I was a child when I last saw him. I would like to remember all our moments together, but all I have are photos and stories that my family tells me,” said the little boy, reading the prepared letter.
The juvenile considered Heather Barron a monster and believed that she deserved to spend the rest of her life in prison.
The two defendants waived their right to a jury trial and were found guilty by Judge Ohta.
At the time of sentencing, the judge stated that for the court, beyond reasonable doubt, two defendants chose Anthony as a scapegoat to express their extreme cruelty and that they worked together to deprive the minor of access to fluids for an extended period of time, which caused severe dehydration.
Ohta added that There were many bruises, cuts and possible burns on the body of Avalos in different parts.who demonstrated the brutal torture he was subjected to by Barron and her boyfriend with the express intention of killing him.
The judge also considered the charge of murder under special circumstances. this implied the torture of Avalos.
Barron and Leiva were also convicted on two counts of child abuse. featuring Anthony’s half-siblings, who were identified in court as “Destiny O” and “Rafael O”.
keep reading:
Trial of Anthony Avalos: Firefighters and paramedics testify to the physical condition in which they found the child in his family’s home in June 2018.
Prosecutors present first arguments at start of trial against mother and partner in child death case Anthony Avalos.
Trial begins against Anthony Avalos’ mother and her boyfriend accused of torturing and killing a 10-year-old boy
Source: La Opinion
Alfred Hart is an accomplished journalist known for his expert analysis and commentary on global affairs. He currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker, where he provides readers with in-depth coverage of the most pressing issues affecting the world today. With a keen insight and a deep understanding of international politics and economics, Alfred’s writing is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the world we live in.