Ernest Lamar Love, a 41-year-old barber from California, is facing charges of murder, torture, and child abuse following the death of a six-year-old boy he was babysitting. The child, Chance Crawford, was left in Love’s care by his mother, who worked an overnight shift as a nurse’s assistant at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The incident took place in Placentia, approximately 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the boy’s mother dropped him off at Love’s barbershop around 6:30 p.m. on August 29. Seven hours later, Love brought Chance, who was severely beaten and barely breathing, to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
Medical professionals at the hospital found that a significant portion of Chance’s flesh was missing from his buttocks, leaving raw, gaping wounds. The boy also had a subdural hematoma, extreme brain swelling, and other injuries consistent with violent shaking. Chance was in critical condition before he succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.
Video surveillance footage captured the alleged assault. The footage showed Love entering the barbershop with a large piece of raw lumber, followed by a reluctant Chance. Prosecutors allege that Love beat the first grader with the piece of lumber, poured hydrogen peroxide on the open wounds, and then forced the boy to do physical exercises.
Instead of calling 911 after the boy collapsed, Love drove Chance to the hospital emergency room. If convicted, Love could face a prison sentence ranging from 32 years to life. He is currently being held at the Orange County Jail without bond.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed his commitment to ensuring justice for Chance. He described the horrific ordeal the young boy had to endure at the hands of someone who was supposed to protect him.
Friends and family of Chance have started two GoFundMe campaigns to honor his memory. They describe him as a “sweet little boy, with a beautiful smile” who loved watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Sesame Street. They also shared that Chance was a gifted artist who loved to draw pictures of his favorite character, Mickey Mouse. Love has pleaded not guilty to the charges.