9-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Was Heard Saying 'I'm Sorry' Before Father Strangled Him, Buried Body: Police

Mar. 15, 2025

Four months after a 9-year-old Pennsylvania boy was found strangled behind his home, his parents have been charged in connection with his death.

Now, his father, Jean Charles, 40, is charged with murder, Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli announced at Wednesday press conference.

“This horrific tragedy has rocked the New Kensington community,” Ziccarelli said, adding, “The trauma that has affected us all pales in comparison to what Azuree no doubt experienced.”

Azuree Charles.Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office

Azuree’s mother, Luella Elien, is charged with aggravated assault of a victim less than 13 years old, child endangerment and hindering the apprehension or prosecution of another person.

Court records show Charles is being held in the Westmoreland County Prison on no bond and Elien is being held on $250,000 bond.

Both suspects are scheduled to have preliminary hearings on Oct. 12. It was not immediately clear if either suspect had retained an attorney.

Jean Charles.Westmoreland County Prison

Luella Elien.Westmoreland County Prison

Azuree’s neighbors toldCBS Newsback in May that the child had just beaten pediatric cancer. Neighbor Osie Taylor, who found Azuree’s body, told the outlet, “All he does is ride his bike and play with his sister and for something like this to happen to him, it’s unbelievable.”

Neighborhood childrentold WPXIthey often heard yelling from the boy’s home.

In May, community members came together for a vigil to honor Azuree’s life,WTAE reports.

“He was the nicest person I ever met. We like to ride our bikes and we would always play,” 9-year-old Azalynn Lookhart told the station.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com