The murder of 10-year-old Anthony Avalos shocked an entire community — not just because of the cruelty he endured, but because it came at the hands of his own mother, Heather Maxine Barron, and her boyfriend, Kareem Ernesto Leiva.

In June 2018, Anthony died from severe dehydration and blunt force trauma after years of abuse. Judge Sam Ohta, in a non-jury trial, sentenced both Barron and Leiva to life in prison without parole, calling their actions “extreme cruelty” and describing Anthony as a helpless child who was tortured and killed by those meant to protect him.

During the emotional sentencing hearing, family members and loved ones read victim impact statements. An 8-year-old cousin, who only knew Anthony through stories and photos, called Barron “an evil monster” and said he hoped she would “spend the rest of her life in prison.” A 16-year-old, in tears, told the defendants directly, “You don’t deserve sympathy. You don’t deserve anything.”

The judge rejected the pair’s claims that Anthony’s injuries were self-inflicted, stating they had worked together to deny him food and water, inflict physical harm, and delay calling for help until it was too late. Both were also convicted of abusing Anthony’s half-siblings.

After nearly five years of court proceedings, Anthony’s family says they can finally begin to grieve in peace, knowing justice has been served.