All About Anthony Avalos

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

The tragedy of Anthony Avalos shocked the world. The 10-year-old boy died after days of being tortured. His mother, Heather Barron, and his stepfather, Kareen Leiva, are behind bars and face charges of the minor's abuse, torture and murder.

On June 21, the boy died after being found unconscious at his home in Lancaster, California. His mother called 911 to report that the boy had allegedly accidentally fallen, but according to prosecutors, the boy was abused for years.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's office documented that the boy had received severe blows to the head, had been whipped with a belt and an electric cord, was thrown against furniture, was forced to swallow hot sauce, and made him starve. They also allegedly made him kneel down, forcing his other brothers in the house to keep an eye on him so he wouldn't get up.

The case of Anthony's mother and stepfather is still ongoing and they could face the death penalty.

Brian Claypool, an attorney representing Anthony's father, who lives in Mexico, told the Los Angeles Times that the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) had received multiple "red flags" or reports of abuse before the death of the boy. Claypool alleges that DFCS investigated multiple reports of abuse at Anthony's home (about him and his siblings) since February 2013.

For his part, Bobby Cagle, the director of DCFS, told PEOPLE: "We feel comfortable that the social workers did what they had to do."

David Barron, Anthony's uncle and mother's brother, spoke to PEOPLE about the tragedy. According to him, the boy's father tried to help him and be there for him but his mother refused to let him have contact with the boy. His sister also prohibited the uncle from approaching the children. David reported that there was violence and abuse at his sister's house several times, he says.

"There are documents saying that Anthony was not given food and that he was locked in rooms and abused," said David. "I don't know what else they need as evidence. Children tell them what's going on and there are other reports from adults and teachers.”

Uncle regrets that Anthony had a life full of pain because he was very noble. "He was a wonderful boy," she recalls. "Everyone loved him the instant they met him."