Boy Who Said He Was Gay, Was He Tortured?

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

Before his tragic death on June 21, Anthony Avalos, 10, was allegedly tortured for several days. The Hispanic boy, who lived in California with his mother, stepfather, and siblings, confessed that he was gay weeks before his death. According to court documents obtained by NBC 4, the boy was allegedly abused and beaten before being found unconscious at home.

Before passing away in the hospital, NBC 4 reported that the boy was allegedly tortured for five to six days while the other children in the home were forced to participate in the abuse.

According to the channel, 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 they did so. starve. They also allegedly made him kneel, forcing the other 8 children in the house to keep an eye on him so that he didn't get up.

Anthony's mother, Heather Maxine Barron, 28, was charged with murder and torture and is in prison. Her boyfriend, Kareem Leiva, 32, is also incarcerated and charged with murder and torture. The mother initially told police that the boy had fallen and was therefore injured.

It is not yet known whether homophobia played a role in crime. The case is still ongoing. The other eight children who lived in the same house are under the care of the Los Angeles Department of Children and Families. Rest in peace, Anthony.