Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for a mother and her boyfriend charged with torturing and killing the mother’s 10-year-old son, Anthony Avalos. On Wednesday, August 28, 2019, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that they will seek the death penalty for Heather Barron and her boyfriend, Kareem Leiva. The couple was charged with the torture and murder of Heather Barron’s 10-year-old son, Anthony Avalos.
Evidence of Aggravating Factors
Prosecutors filed a court document summarizing evidence of aggravating factors they indented to introduce including graphic photos, videos, torture tools, and techniques. Prosecutors also stated that they will present evidence of “extensive pain and suffering, child abuse, isolation, chronic abuse and stress, child molestation, torture and mental abuse of Anthony Avalos.
Anthony Avalos Filed Suit Against DCSF
Relatives of Anthony Avalos, including Anthony’s father, have filed suit against the Department of Children and Family Services (“DCSF”) seeking damages in excess of $50 million. The suit alleges that DCFS was neglectful and failed to protect Anthony Avalos.