Community Mourns Young Boy Found Near Dumpster in Panorama City

Community Gathers to Mourn the Tragic Loss of a Young Boy

It has been nearly two weeks since the body of 5-year-old Elyjiah Hearn was discovered near a dumpster in a Panorama City parking lot. The news sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting an outpouring of grief and support for the boy’s family. A heartfelt vigil was held on the evening of July 18 at the site where Elyjiah’s body was found, located in the 8200 block of Van Nuys Boulevard near Titus Street. Approximately 150 people attended, including clergy, family members, and neighbors who came together to honor the young child.

The gathering was marked by a touching display of remembrance. Residents arranged candles in the shape of a heart, surrounding flowers, stuffed animals, and heartfelt messages that reflected their sorrow and compassion. This makeshift shrine became a symbol of unity and love in the face of tragedy.

A homeless man was the first to discover Elyjiah’s body, which had been discarded next to a dumpster. He immediately called 911, and the Los Angeles Fire Department rushed to the scene in an attempt to resuscitate the child. Unfortunately, Elyjiah was pronounced dead. While the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released an autopsy report, a law enforcement official confirmed that the boy suffered “massive injuries,” including a fractured jaw, fractured ribs, and a lacerated liver.

Bryscon Malik Gaddis, 20, who is described as the ex-boyfriend of Elyjiah’s mother, has been arrested in connection with the child’s death. He faces one count of murder and assault on a child causing death. Gaddis is scheduled to be arraigned in a Van Nuys courtroom on August 18. He remains in custody, with a bail set at $2 million.

The tragedy has brought back painful memories for Emily Carranza, the cousin of Gabriel Fernandez, a 8-year-old boy who was tortured and beaten to death by his mother and her boyfriend in 2013. Gabriel’s case received national attention and led to calls for reform within the LA County Department of Family and Children’s Services.

During the trial of Gabriel’s mother and boyfriend, who are both serving life sentences, Carranza formed a group of women known as the “Warrior Sisters.” These mothers have come together under shared experiences of loss and trauma. Carranza also launched a Facebook page called Gabriel’s Justice, which serves as a platform to preserve Gabriel’s legacy, combat child abuse, and support other families. Through this page, she has shared updates on Elyjiah’s case and offered her perspective on the unfolding events.

Carranza expressed her deep sorrow over the situation, noting that the details surrounding Elyjiah’s death remain unclear. She emphasized the emotional pain of a child being abused and then discarded like nothing. “I can’t wrap my head around that. I can’t make sense of it,” she said. “It’s really painful.”

Although Carranza has not visited the parking lot where Elyjiah was found, she mentioned that Olivia Rubio, another cousin of Gabriel, left something at the site in memory of the boy. Carranza understands the community’s desire to create a makeshift shrine but believes the family may prefer to focus on a more dignified remembrance when Elyjiah is laid to rest. She hopes that the community will instead leave flowers at his grave or plant a tree in his honor.

Carranza has not met Elyjiah’s family directly, but she has offered her support and solidarity. She assured them that the “Warrior Sisters” are always available to provide assistance, whether through emotional support or legal advocacy if needed. “We’re here to help, be supportive of them and go to court with them if that’s the case,” she said. “For them to know they’re not alone.”

As the community continues to grieve, the hope is that Elyjiah’s story will serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting children and supporting families in times of crisis.