Arrest made after boy's body found in Panorama City dumpster

Arrest made in death of 5-year-old boy

The ex-boyfriend of 5-year-old Elyjiah Hearn's mother has been arrested in connection with his death. Elyjiah's body was found in a dumpster at a Panorama City parking lot over the weekend.

LOS ANGELES - Officials announced a 20-year-old man was arrested after a boy’s body was found in a trash bin in the San Fernando Valley over the weekend. 

A total of five people were detained. However, three people were released, and a second person was arrested on charges not related to the boy's death. 

What we know:

The body of 5-year-old Elyjiah Hearn was found in a Panaroma City parking lot in the area of Titus Street and Van Nuys Boulevard on Saturday, July 12. 

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As dozens gathered at a vigil Tuesday night, a search warrant was served just a few blocks away. 

Video from the scene shows officers with the Los Angeles Police Department at an apartment complex near Van Nuys Blvd. and Lanark Street, located a block away from where the boy's body was found. 

Photo credit: Troy Hearn Sr. 

As a crowd began to form, a woman was escorted out in handcuffs before a man was seen being escorted out handcuffed to a gurney by Los Angeles City Fire paramedics. 

LAPD officials said two kids were also found inside the apartment unit and are now under the care of the LA County Department of Children and Family Services.

Investigators said as they were collecting evidence, three others at a separate scene were detained. 

All five people detained were questioned and on Wednesday, 20-year-old Brycson Gaddis was arrested. Three others were released, and the fourth person detained was arrested on charges that were not related to the child's death investigation.  

Gaddis was identified as the ex-boyfriend of Elyjiah's mom. The boy's grandfather said law enforcement had been called to their house in LA and Bakersfield before about child abuse. 

"The police came for an incident and got him away. And I was really this close to doing something to him and at this point I wish I did," said Troy Hearn Sr. 

He described Elyjiah as a loving boy.

"He was autistic, but that didn't slow him down. He could pick up your phone and go through it, any tablet. His speech was slow but he was loving," Hearn Sr. said. 

He told FOX 11 that his daughter, Kemia Hearn, has been released from custody and is staying with him. Police say, as of now, Gaddis is the only person in custody. He has a long violent criminal record. 

LAPD’s Abused Child Unit is handling the investigation. Those with information are asked to contact the LAPD. 

An official cause of death has not been released.

‘He needs to get justice’

What they're saying:

The community gathered to honor the life of a young boy who was found near a trash bin in Panorama City. 

"The community has come to pay respects to the little young man" said Yvette Lagunas, a Canoga Park resident. "It’s hard and I just feel like there’s a lot of love here for him."

"He needs to get justice. Justice needs to be served for him. Of course, they’re never going to bring him back, but at least they can pay for what they did," said resident Jose Gonzales. 

What's next:

Gaddis is being held at the Hollywood Division on $2 million bail.