An Indiana boy was found dead inside his father’s home on Dec. 22 from apparent abuse and malnourishment, police said.
Kayden Gavarrete, 7, was lying dead on the ground with rigor mortis in his jaw and head in a bedroom with only a small couch, a dog cage, and a futon bed frame with a sleeping bag when officers responded to his father’s call at 3:42 p.m.
Detectives noticed abrasions, bruises, lacerations, and burn marks on the boy’s body. He also appeared extremely malnourished and underweight.
Kayden’s father, Kevin Gavarrete, told cops the boy’s injuries were the result of him throwing tantrums and falling to the ground.
The burns were, according to the father, caused by heater vents. The father added that Kayden refused to eat and drank chemicals.
Gavarrete’s girlfriend, Julia Sizemore told detectives the boy was hyperactive and acting “weird around” his two younger sisters.
The couple was preliminarily charged with neglect resulting in death.
“This is a devastating and unimaginable tragedy. The loss of a young life, especially so close to the holidays, is heartbreaking for our entire community,” IMPD Deputy Chief of Criminal Investigations Kendale Adams said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to all who are grieving this senseless loss.”
