9-year-old boy found dead in New Kensington identified, father arrested on separate charges

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — There are still no arrests in the death of Azuree Charles, 9, who was found Wednesday morning after he was reported missing.

Police picked up his father, Jean Charles, on a warrant for a simple assault and child endangerment case from November.

Channel 11 was there as they walked Jean Charles out of the police station and into a sheriff deputy’s vehicle.

Charles is accused of punching his son in the eye, causing bruising in mid-November of 2021.

He was denied bail.State and local law enforcement spent Thursday canvassing East Ken Manor.

They knocked on doors, and asked neighbors for any surveillance video or information that could help lead to answers in the case.

A day later, neighbors said they are feeling uneasy not knowing what happened, while still trying to give their kids answers and support.

Several neighbors who lived nearby organized a vigil for Azuree, to not only honor his short life, but to give their own children some peace and comfort while dealing with this tragedy.

Investigators have not named any suspects and have not confirmed whether or not they are looking at Jean Charles as a person of interest in this case.

RELATED: DA’s office asking for public’s help in investigation of 9-year-old boy’s death in New Kensington

On Thursday, The district attorney’s office set up a command post in the same neighborhood. They are asking the public and members of the community to share home video surveillance and come forward with any information that may be useful to the investigation. Officers can be reached at 724-339-7533.

Homicide investigation underway after 9-year-old boy found dead in Westmoreland County

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