Aunt Charged In Death Of 3-Year-Old Brooklyn Boy
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Brooklyn woman was charged Thursday night in connection with the death of her 3-year-old nephew.
Christen Dale, 21, was charged with manslaughter, assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal possession of a weapon in the death of Ethan Ali, police said late Thursday night.
Ethan was found dead in his Brownsville apartment Wednesday afternoon after police said they responded to a 911 call.
Police said the little boy had bruises on his body. Sources said detectives believe he was beaten to death, CBS2's Janelle Burrell reported.
The New York City Medical Examiner's Office deemed that Ethan's death was a homicide, police said.
Elise Witty lives next door.
"I was stunned," she said. "He's a happy kid. He's always playing around."
Police had Dale for questioning since Wednesday. Investigators said she was home alone babysitting Ethan at the time. She lives there with Ethan and her sister, Ethan's mother.
Ethan's father, Anthony Ali, came to the house Wednesday night, but was too upset to speak to reporters. Other distraught family members gathered outside the home.
"I want justice," said Ethan's great-aunt Jennifer Evans. "He doesn't deserve that. He's only a child."
The child's great uncle, Devon Evans, blames Dale for Ethan's death.
"She's evil," he said. "Very evil."
He said the little boy's father was in a custody battle with Ethan's mother. Now, loved ones are left to grieve and wonder why this happened.
A representative of the city Administration for Children's Services said the department is working closely with the NYPD on the investigation.