An Inglewood, California man named Jayveyon Burley, 22, has been arrested for the murder of his 1-year-old son. According to ABC7, the body of Leilani Dream Burley was removed from the Los Angeles River in Long Beach on Monday.
Photos of Leilani Dream Burley, the one-year-old whose body was found in the LA river. Her father has been charged with murder and child endangerment. More info: https://t.co/fEalCfEOZC pic.twitter.com/6EJlx7ui6q
— KTLA (@KTLA) December 7, 2022
Authorities were contacted Sunday night by the suspect’s mother. The woman told police that Burley had gone to pick up her two children from their mother in Long Beach. However, she returned home to Inglewood with only one child.
Police searched for the 1-year-old boy and found his body in the LA River, under the Ocean Boulevard Bridge. Authorities arrested Mr. Burley for murder and child endangerment. He was booked into the custody of the Inglewood Police Department.
Leilani Dream Burley’s Mom Speaks Out
Lynisha Hull has spoken out since her daughter’s tragic murder.
My daughter was killed by her father. They threw him off the bridge.
Hull spoke exclusively to ABC7 and explained that Burley takes her children on a regular basis. They usually arrive on Sunday and return the children on Wednesday.
The mother recalled that Burley looked angry when she picked up her children for the last time. However, his behavior was “normal” in a way.
He came to my house to pick up my children. He was angry at the time but it was okay. He was normal. He didn’t look like he was scared at the time at all.
Hull also spoke about her daughter with NBCLA and recalled the moment she heard about the tragedy.
My son always lights up the room with his big beautiful eyes. Leilani was only one year old. He was happy, and he was beautiful and loved.
He told me that he found my son in the river, that his father dropped him off the bridge in Long Beach. All I can think about right now: was she screaming? Was he scared? Did he say ‘dada?’ Did he do something with his hands before he dropped her in the river?
Leilani Dream’s Brother
Hull also told NBCLA, that Leilani has a special relationship with her older brother Zayveyon Burley.
Her name was Leilani
Leilani Dream Burley.
When he was only 18 months old, his mother said he loved his older brother, music, books and dancing.
The life he loved was cut short by, of all people, his father who is now in prison accused of murdering him. 💔 pic.twitter.com/gZXWdCxKcG— Gigi Graciette (@GigiGraciette) December 7, 2022
He has an older brother, Zayveyon Burley…He loves him very much. Their relationship was very special.
Hull says Zayveyon has been asking about his sister.
My son asks me, ‘Where is my son? Where is the child?’. I can’t even tell him.
According to CBS News, Jayveyon Burley is being held in lieu of $215,000 bail. He is in court on Wednesday.
