Officials say they have found a “person of interest” in the murder of the 9-year-old boy found in New Kensington, Pennsylvania Wednesday morning.
The boy, identified as 9-year-old Azuree Charles by the station, was reported missing a little after 6 a.m. and found covered with a chair in a wooded area near Haser Street. Near his home shed.
Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli confirmed at a press conference that the case is being investigated as a homicide.
“He did die at the hands of another person,” she said.
No one has yet been charged in the death of Azuree Charles, but the county’s district attorney confirms there is a person of interest, although she won’t specify who or what their relationship is to the child.
In the meantime, on Thursday afternoon, police picked up Azuree’s father. They had a warrant out for Jean Charles for a simple assault and child endangerment case from November.
He is accused of punching his son in the eye, causing bruising. He was denied bail.
The investigation is ongoing and is being handled by Westmoreland County Detective Bureau and the New Kensington Police Department.
Ms. Ziccarelli is also asking community members to help by sharing home video surveillance and giving any information to officers. Those who may have information can call New Kensington police at 724-339-7533.
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