In a heartbreaking case that shocked the nation, 10-year-old Anthony Avalos was brutally abused and murdered by his own mother, Heather Maxine Barron, and her boyfriend, Kareem Ernesto Leiva. On June 21, 2018, Anthony died after enduring years of horrific abuse, culminating in what the judge called “extreme torture.”

On March 7, 2023, both Barron, 33, and Leiva, 37, were found guilty of first-degree murder and torture in a non-jury trial. This week, they were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Judge Sam Ohta, who presided over the trial, described Anthony as a “helpless child” who was completely dependent on the very people who betrayed him. He stated the couple deliberately deprived Anthony of water, beat him repeatedly, and left his body covered in bruises, cuts, and burn marks. Anthony died from severe dehydration and blunt force trauma.

In emotional victim impact statements, Anthony’s young relatives voiced their grief and rage. One child called Barron “an evil monster,” while a teen relative declared, “You don’t deserve sympathy. You don’t deserve anything.”

The judge rejected the couple’s attempts to blame Anthony’s injuries on self-harm, calling their claims lies meant to mislead authorities. He also noted that Barron delayed calling 911 until her son was already dead.

Beyond Anthony, the couple was also found guilty of abusing his half-siblings. The court concluded that both Barron and Leiva inflicted pain on Anthony “for pleasure,” adding that he stood no chance against their cruelty.

After years of court proceedings, Anthony’s family and community are left grieving — but they are also seeking justice in his name.