Shocking Footage Surfaces in Tragic Death of 5-Year-Old Boy Found in Panorama City

Panorama City, Los Angeles – A tragic case in Panorama City has taken a chilling turn with the release of new surveillance footage showing events surrounding the death of five-year-old Elyjiah Hearn. A man accused of killing the child appeared in court this week and pleaded not guilty to the charges, while disturbing video from the night of the crime has emerged, providing new insight into the heartbreaking incident.

Court Appearance and Charges

Twenty-year-old Brycson Malik Gaddis, the former boyfriend of Elyjiah’s mother, faces serious charges, including murder and assault on a child resulting in death. Bail has been set at $2 million. Authorities allege that Gaddis killed Elyjiah in July and disposed of his body in a dumpster after the boy suffered severe injuries.

On Monday, Gaddis appeared in a Van Nuys courtroom to face the charges, where he officially entered a plea of not guilty.

Chilling Surveillance Video

For the first time, surveillance footage from the night of Elyjiah’s death has been shared publicly. The video shows a man and a woman on Titus Street in Panorama City—the same street where the child’s body was discovered the following day.

In the video, a person is seen carrying a bundle wrapped in a blanket. Observers reported that the shape of the bundle revealed a small head and tiny feet dangling from the bottom, confirming that the object was indeed the child.

A local business owner, whose store backs up to Titus Street, received the footage from a nearby security guard. He noted that neighbors had long been aware of neglect and abuse toward the child, saying that while people suspected something was wrong, no one reported it.

Evidence from the Apartment

Authorities obtained a search warrant for Gaddis’ apartment, which reportedly contained disturbing evidence. The warrant mentions that the victim was wrapped in a multi-colored blanket, consistent with what was seen in the surveillance footage. Gaddis was reportedly accompanied by Elyjiah’s mother at the time.

Blood stains were found in various parts of the apartment, including the bathroom sink, backsplash, drain, and inside a tote bag on the bed. This discovery further fueled concerns about the circumstances leading to the child’s death.

Police Investigation and Family Reactions

While Gaddis remains in custody on $2 million bail, Elyjiah’s mother was questioned and released pending further investigation.

Emotions ran high outside the courthouse during the hearing. Elyjiah’s grandfather pulled a gun in the parking lot, claiming that threats had been made against his daughter. He stated that he did not aim the weapon at anyone but displayed it as a warning to protect his family.

Community Response

The tragic death of Elyjiah Hearn has shaken the Panorama City community. Residents continue to grapple with the disturbing circumstances surrounding the boy’s death and the newly surfaced footage, calling attention to the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and reporting suspected abuse.

Authorities are continuing a thorough investigation into the case, seeking justice for Elyjiah and answers for his grieving family.