Mother of Anthony Avalos and Her Former Boyfriend Found Guilty

Lancaster, Ca.-The mother of Anthony Avalos and her former boyfriend have been found guilty of the 10-year-old's 2018 murder and torture.

On June 20, 2018, Barron called 911 to report that Anthony was hurt after being injured in a fall, according to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. But prosecutors said all of his injuries came from weeks and years of abuse at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued the following statement today after Superior Court Judge Sam Ohta announced his verdict in the non-jury trial of Heather Maxine Barron and Kareen Ernesto Leiva – the couple charged with the torture and murder of 10-year-old Anthony Avalos from Lancaster.

The LA District Attorney's Office dropped its bid for the death penalty against the two after the election of District Attorney George Gascon who issued a directive that "a sentence of death is never an appropriate resolution in any case."

“Today’s guilty verdict marks another milestone in the aftermath of the horrific death of young Anthony Avalos. Justice has been lawfully served in court, but nothing will bring Anthony back or fill the void that his loss has caused in the community and in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. I wish peace is bestowed upon Anthony’s siblings and family as they continue to heal.”

Both sides waived their right to a jury trial and opted to have Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Sam Ohta hear the case.

Sentencing has been scheduled for April 25 when both defendants face up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

On June 20, 2008, Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded to a home in the 1100 block of East Avenue K in Lancaster. Anthony A. was taken to a hospital where he died the following day.

The defendants tortured the boy every day for two weeks leading up to his death. The pair also were convicted of assaulting two of Anthony’s half-siblings.