Arraignments Continued for Mother, Her Boyfriend Charged With Murder and Torture of Lancaster Boy
Kareem Ernesto Leiva, 32 (Boyfriend)
Heather Maxine Barron, 28 (Mother)
Anthony Avalos, 10 was found unresponsive after his mother called 911 and stated he had suffered a fall in their apartment in the 1100 block of East Avenue K on June 20. He died the next morning.
Barron and Leiva are accused of torturing the boy in the days before he died, including causing
severe head injuries and cigarette burns covering his body.
Barron has been charged with one count each of murder, torture and child abuse, according to the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office. Leiva was also charged with murder, torture and one count of assault on a child causing death, and each defendant is being held on $2 million bail.
If convicted as charged, Barron could receive a sentence of 22 years to life in prison, while Leiva faces a possible maximum sentence of 32 years to life.
Their arraignments were continued until Aug. 3.
Arraignments Continued for Mother, Her Boyfriend Charged With Murder and Torture of Lancaster Boy