Autopsy: 5-Year-Old Elyjah Hearn Died From Blunt-Force Trauma; Death Ruled Homicide

The Los Angeles County medical examiner has determined that five-year-old Elyjah Hearn died from blunt-force trauma and has ruled his manner of death a homicide, according to a newly released autopsy report.

Elyjah's body was discovered wrapped in a blanket and naked in a Panorama City dumpster on July 12, 2025. The examiner documented extensive injuries, including blunt-force trauma to the head and body, a broken jaw, a broken rib, a knocked-out tooth, multiple contusions and abrasions to the head, and liver lacerations that produced internal bleeding in his thoracic cavity.

The autopsy also found evidence of multiple blunt-trauma injuries to the boy's extremities that were in the process of healing, which the examiner said is consistent with prior alleged abuse. Trace amounts of methamphetamine were detected in his system, and the report notes that "an asphyxial event cannot be ruled out."

Arrest and Charges

Prosecutors arrested Brycson Malik Gaddis, the mother's ex-boyfriend, in July 2025 and booked him on one felony count of murder and one count of assault on a child causing death. Authorities allege Gaddis beat the child to death on July 11, 2025, at an apartment on Lanark Street in Panorama City; the boy was found the next day in a commercial parking lot dumpster. Gaddis pleaded not guilty and is being held on $2 million bail. If convicted, he faces a possible sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.

Evidence and Investigation

Surveillance footage obtained by ABC 7 reportedly shows a man carrying an object wrapped in a blanket while walking on the street near where Elyjah's body was later found; the man is accompanied by a woman in the video. It remains unclear whether Gaddis is the person in the footage and whether he has retained an attorney who can speak on his behalf.

Police questioned the boy's mother and released her pending further investigation, the District Attorney's Office said. District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman issued a statement expressing sympathy for the family and vowing to pursue accountability: 'This is truly a heartbreaking and horrific case. We are committed to seeking justice and will ensure this defendant is held responsible for his actions.'

Community Response

A GoFundMe organized by family or supporters described Elyjah as 'a joyful, fun-loving child who brought light into every room he entered,' saying his laughter, energy and innocent spirit touched all who knew him. The fundraiser message said the family is devastated and asked for privacy while investigators continue their work.

Note: All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.