Death penalty sought against mother, her boyfriend in torture killing of Anthony Avalos: DA’s Office

LOS ANGELES -- (KTLA) -- The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced Wednesday that it will seek the death penalty against a mother and her boyfriend who are charged in the torture killing of 10-year-old Anthony Avalos.

The couple, Heather Barron and Kareem Leiva, were indicted by a grand jury on capital murder charges last October.

They have pleaded not guilty to murder with a special circumstance with a special circumstance allegation of intentional murder with infliction of torture on the victim.

Had prosecutors not sought the death penalty, the couple would have faced life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted as charged.

The victim's uncle lauded the decision to seek capital punishment.

“I know the death penalty won't bring Anthony back, but this is one of the worst kind of crimes you could commit, so deserves the worst kind of punishment,” said David Barron, the victim's uncle.