Arrest Made in Death of 5-Year-Old Elyjiah Hearn in Panorama City

Child Found Deceased in Panorama City

• 💔 A 5-year-old boy, identified as Elyjiah Hearn, was found dead near a garbage dumpster in a Panorama City parking lot.
• 📌 The discovery was made over the weekend on Vanise Boulevard, leading to a growing memorial at the scene.

Suspect Identified and Arrested

• 🚨 Police have arrested Bryson Malik Gatis, 22, the boyfriend of Elyjiah's mother, Kamaya Hearn, in connection with the child's death.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Both Elyjiah's mother and Gatis were taken in for questioning.

Allegations of Prior Abuse Reports

• ⚠️ Elyjiah's grandfather, Troy Hearn Senior, claims law enforcement had been called about child abuse prior to the incident.
• 🗣️ He expressed deep regret and anger, stating he wished he had taken more direct action.

Community Response and Victim's Characteristics

• 💬 People gathered at the memorial, including one woman who knew the mother before she was involved with Gatis, asserting the children were not previously in dangerous situations.
• 🧠 Elyjiah is described as an autistic child who was loving, understood speech despite a delay, and was adept with technology.