PA Boy, 9, Identified As Officials Rule His Death A Homicide: Reports

Pittsburgh PA

05 May, 2022

5:04 PM

Description

NEW KENSINGTON, PA — A 9-year-old Pennsylvania boy found dead near his home has been identified and officials have a person of interest in his death, according to local media. Azuree Charles, 9, was found dead in the East Ken Manor in New Kensington on Wednesday morning, the Tribune-Review reported. He had been reported missing that morning and found under a chair, behind a neighbor's home, the report said. The Westmoreland County Coroner's Office confirmed the boy's death was a homicide, WTAE reported. Police arrested Charles' father on charges from a separate case, WPXI reported. Jean Charles had a warrant for simple assault and child endangerment from last year; he's accused of punching Azuree in the eye in November 2021, the report said. Neighborhood residents have a vigil planned for Thursday night, the Tribune-Review reported. The New Kensington-Arnold School District superintendent sent a letter to families, saying grief counselors will be available to students and employees, according to WTAE. Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli said there is a person of interest in the case, but did not provide further details, the report said. Anyone with information that could help investigators is asked to contact officers from Ziccarelli's office at 724-339-7533.