Step-dad allegedly beat 7-year-old boy to death (Los Angeles, California)

The family of the 7-year-old boy says that the UNNAMED STEPDAD is the one who beat the little boy to death.

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=6930916

7-year-old boy murdered in his home
Thursday, July 23, 2009
By Leanne Suter

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Police were investigating the murder of a 7-year-old boy at his South L.A. home Thursday night.

The coroner removed the 7-year-old's body shortly before 11 p.m. Thursday.

Police were not saying much about the investigation since it was still in the initial stages.
However, family members of the child say his step-father had beaten him to death.

The child's home was in the 800 block of East 87th Place. The LAPD was called to the home at around 6:30 p.m. Thursday for a death investigation. Officers found the boy dead at the scene.

Family members say the first grader's step-father called the family, telling them he had beaten the young boy. The family says the step-father is on the run, so they are begging him to turn himself in.

"My nephew really didn't deserve this," said Kiara Sharp, the victim's aunt. "I feel like for him to do that to him ... that was so wrong. He's only 7 years old. You don't put your hands on a 7-year-old like that. That's not right and I don't appreciate it at all. Because now I'm fixing to lose my nephew and my god-brother. That's not right."

The LAPD was not commenting on a search for a suspect as of Thursday night, they only said their investigation was continuing. They have labeled the death a murder.

Neighbors say the family had only moved into the neighborhood a few months ago. They say they hadn't seen any signs of trouble.

Family members say the 7-year-old was an extremely quiet boy who loved to play outside. They also say they can't believe he is gone.