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Mother and Boyfriend Sentenced to Life for Torturing 10-Year-Old Son to Death

  • Heather Barron and Kareem Leiva were sentenced to life in prison for murdering Barron's 10-year-old son Anthony Avalos after years of abuse.
  • Anthony was severely malnourished and dehydrated when he died in the hospital the day after being removed from the home.
  • Prosecutors said Anthony was intentionally killed by torture including beatings, whippings, burns, and deprivation of food and water.
  • The LA Department of Children and Family Services was sued for ignoring 13 reports of abuse and never removing Anthony from the home.
  • Barron and Leiva were found guilty of torture and murder in a non-jury trial.
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