Wisconsin police have arrested two suspects for the alleged murder of a 5-year-old boy whose remains were found in a dumpster about a mile away from his home.
The family of Prince McCree reported the boy missing at about 1 p.m. on Wednesday and joined police in a search of the surrounding neighborhood. The next day, the boy’s remains were discovered and police identified two persons of interest who lived at the home.
The two were later identified in a criminal complaint as 15-year-old Erik Mendoza and 27-year-old David Pietura.
McCree lived in the second story and the attic of the home with his parents and siblings while Mendoza lived on the first floor with his mother and Pietura lived in the basement.
Police arrested Pietura and questioned him about the disappearance of the child. According to the complaint, Pietura allegedly confessed to knowing where the body was but denied having anything to do with the incident.
Surveillance video captured Pietura and Mendoza walking through an alley while one of them carried a garbage bag. Police say they believe they were carrying the remains of the boy.
The next day, police said they confronted Pietura with the evidence, and he allegedly admitted to strangling the boy and beating him. In a later interview, he allegedly said that he walked in on Mendoza choking the child until he was unconscious.
Investigators said Pietura admitted to tying up the boy with duct tape and putting him in garbage bags. The boy would regain consciousness several times, and the two allegedly beat him each time until he died. They used barbells, a golf club, and a birdbath and also stomped on the victim’s head.
Mendoza also allegedly admitted to randomly stabbing people from behind in the days before the murder of McCree.
The two were arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide, physical abuse of a child, and hiding a corpse. Mendoza has also been charged over his alleged stabbing spree. Both are being tried as adults.
The community has responded by contributing to a memorial at the dumpster where the boy’s body was found.
Todd Walker, the boy’s uncle, spoke to WISN about his nephew.
“He didn’t deserve it. A life cut young. So early, man,” said Walker. “Prince was an awesome little dude. When he says something, he would cheer you up.”
Here’s a local news report about the horrific incident:
Two charged in Milwaukee 5-year-old’s murderwww.youtube.com
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