NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — The parents of a 9-year-old who was found dead in New Kensington were charged with crimes related to his death just over a month ago.
Today the parents of Azuree Charles appeared in court.
All charges were held for court after Jean Charles appeared in front of a district judge Wednesday morning. Police believe Jean strangled Azuree to death in May and then buried his body.
The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office released photos of a man prosecutors say is Jean Charles with Azuree’s bicycle, carrying a shovel. Detectives say the shovel had Jean’s DNA on it.
Detectives played testimony of a recording of a 13-year-old neighbor, describing hearing what prosecutors say were likely Azuree Charles’s last moments. The boy said he heard the child screaming, “No, no, no. I’m sorry.”
Jean Charles has entered a not guilty plea. His attorney claimed none of the evidence supported charges that include first-degree murder and strangulation.
The DA’s office also released the 911 call of Azuree’s mother, Luella Elien, reporting the boy missing.
Elien also appeared in court on charges of endangering the welfare of a child after police say she allowed Jean Charles to watch her children after he punched Azuree in the eye and was no longer allowed around the boy.
Elien waived her right to a preliminary hearing without an agreement and will appear in the court of common pleas in Greensburg.
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