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POLICE
Glendale mother, boyfriend charged with murder in death of 2-year-old
Posted
Special to Independent Newsmedia
Warning: This article contains descriptions of a crime that some could find disturbing.
Glendale police arrested a 20-year-old man and woman on murder charges in the death of the woman’s 2-year-old son.
Police say Johnny Brazell II and Leilah Lopez were booked on first-degree murder charges as well as child abuse charges.
Just after 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16, Glendale police responded to a report of a sick or injured child near the 6000 block of Golden Lane. The 911 call, which was made by Brazell, advised his 2-year-old stepson, Braxton, was not breathing and had no pulse. He further stated the child had been attacked by a dog earlier in the morning causing a gash and bump on his head.
Life-saving measures were provided by the Glendale Fire Department, but the child was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The treating physicians and officers allegedly observed numerous bruises of varying sizes and colors on the child’s body, including swelling and bruising to his eyes, head and a significant skull fracture. These injuries were determined to be consistent with child abuse.
When interviewed by police, investigators say both Brazell and Lopez provided inconsistent stories about the child being attacked by a dog. Upon further questioning and investigation, Brazell allegedly admitted to killing the child.
Brazell told he hit the child multiple times with a leather belt while holding him in the air by his leg. He also told police he threw the boy into furniture and dropped him on the floor.
Although the child sustained visible injuries and had shallowed breathing, neither Brazell or Lopez contacted 911, according to police. The two eventually called after the child was no longer breathing.
Both Brazell and Lopez allegedly agreed to lie to police, paramedics, and the hospital about what had occurred.
A police report states that neither suspect showed any obvious remorse for their actions. Investigators also allege that the couple discussed fleeing the state.