The Latest: Boy in abuse case died after brain injury

LOS ANGELES – The Latest on the arrests of a California woman and her boyfriend on murder and torture charges in the death of her 10-year-old son (all times local):

5:30 p.m.

Sheriff’s investigators say a 10-year-old boy who had complained of abuse died after suffering a traumatic brain injury that led to organ failure.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Derrick Alfred said Friday that the injury that caused the death of Anthony Avalos came from “specific actions” committed by his mother or her boyfriend.

He wouldn’t provide additional details, citing an ongoing investigation.

Heather Maxine Barron and Kareem Ernesto Leiva were each charged Friday with one count of murder and torture.

Anthony died last week after being found unresponsive June 20 at home in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley north of Los Angeles.

His aunt, Maria Barron, said the boy “will always be in our hearts.”

It was unclear whether Barron or Leiva had attorney to comment on the allegations.

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1:50 p.m.

Los Angeles County prosecutors have charged a mother and her boyfriend with murder and torture in the death of the woman’s 10-year-old son.

The district attorney’s office says Heather Maxine Barron and Kareem Ernesto Leiva were each charged Friday with one count of murder and torture. Barron faces an additional count of child abuse, and Leiva faces an additional count of assault on a child causing death.

Leiva was taken into custody Wednesday, but at that time the boy’s mother was not arrested.

Little Anthony Avalos died last week after being found unresponsive June 20 at home in Lancaster, in the high desert Antelope Valley north of Los Angeles.

Authorities said the mother called 911 to report her son had fallen down stairs. He died the next day.