California police arrested a man on Wednesday, days after his ex-girlfriend’s 5-year-old son was found dead in a dumpster.
An official from law enforcement informed the Los Angeles Times that Bryson Gaddis, aged 20, was taken into custody in relation to the death of Elyjiah Hearn. Hearn’s body was discovered in a dumpster in Panorama City on Saturday.
According to the victim’s grandfather, who spoke to the Los Angeles Times, Gaddis used to date the boy’s 24-year-old mother. The law enforcement official reported that Hearn endured severe injuries — including broken ribs, a fractured jaw, and a cut liver.
The grandfather of the victim alleged that Gaddis abducted Hearn and his mother from near a store and transported them to an apartment complex close to where Hearn’s body was found on Saturday. Police reportedly found and questioned the mother before letting her go.
According to KTVU, two other children who were found at the apartment complex are in the care of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.
“He was autistic, but that didn’t slow him down. He could pick up your phone and go through it, any tablet. His speech was slow but he was loving,” the victim’s grandfather told KTVU.
The news outlet reported that three other people were detained but eventually released. A fourth person who was detained was arrested on charges not related to the ongoing death investigation.
Hearn’s cause of death has not been released.
[Feature Photo: Handout]
