Homicide Report > Deandre Green, 2 [Updated]
Deandre Green, 2 [Updated]
Died March 20, 2010 at 6:55 p.m.
Deandre Green, a 2-year-old black boy, died Saturday, March 20, in the 3100 block of Springdale Drive in Long Beach, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Hector Ernest Jr., a 26-year-old black man from Hawthorne, is accused of slaying Deandre, who was pronounced dead Saturday at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, police said.
Hospital officials called police after the boy was taken to the facility by his mother and Ernest, her boyfriend. Hospital staff tried unsuccessfully to revive Deandre, whose body showed signs of physical abuse, the Long Beach Police Department said.
Detectives believe neighbors may have heard Deandre crying or being abused, according to Long Beach police.
Members of Deandre's family said they had warned police and Los Angeles County child welfare officials at least twice about possible abuse in the last few months of the child's life.
Deandre's father told The Times in an interview Tuesday that in October he had taken his son to the Hawthorne Police Department to show officials bruises on the child's chest and stomach. Deandre's cousin said she had called the county Department of Children and Family Services in February to report her concerns.
The cousin, Lavetta Jones, and other family members said their calls went unreturned for weeks. At one point, someone at the county agency told them the person they needed to talk to was on vacation, the family members said.
"It wasn't as urgent as it should have been," the boy's grandmother, Sharlynn Pinkard, 43, said. "We truly sensed something wasn't right."
Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Mark McGuire or Det. Greg Krabbe at (562) 570-7244.
[Update May 4, 2011: Long Beach man sentenced in beating death of 2-year-old boy]
— Robert J. Lopez, Tony Barboza and Garrett Therolf
KTLA Video: Mom's boyfriend arrested in toddler's beating death
- Neighborhood: Long Beach
- Age: 2
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Other
- Day of the week: Saturday
- Agency: Long Beach PD
- Race/Ethnicity: Black
38 reader comments about Deandre Green
It is absolutely unthinkable what happened to this beautiful child. My heart aches for him, and for the family who mourns.
March 23, 2010 at 9:25 p.m.
So very sad that this sweet innocent baby was so violently taken from his loved ones. Hard for me to imagine what any child could do to deserve such pain. Why must this happen? I know being a parent is tough, but walk out of the room & simmer down before hurting the most innocent & precious. Although many of you will post that he is in a better place and will no longer suffer, i agree. BUT who thought they could play GOD and end his life! shame on you for taking this sweet baby away from the world!!
March 24, 2010 at 1:46 a.m.
Reading this article broke my heart. And reminded me to love all that is good and important in my life. I hope they give some serious psychiatric treatment to this person. There is obviously a problem. I just dont know what to say about the loss of that perfect child.
March 24, 2010 at 9:54 a.m.
It's sad enough that such an innocent child is taken from this earth and not having a chance to grow and live an active life. But it's even sadder when family members contacted the agencies regarding abuse, and no one followed up on the complaints. Surely the vacationing person who handled such cases, had a backup employee to be "Responsible" for this type of case. Where's the Justice in our system to help those who can not help themselves. I'm appalled at the actions of the agencies that chose not to investigate the claims of abuse. A young life could have been saved but instead suffered by the hands of a baby killer!
March 24, 2010 at 10:22 a.m.
I wonder if Child Services is overwhelmed by the work load and needs more staffing.
March 24, 2010 at 11:43 a.m.
This monster that did this should suffer the same fate he brought on this poor little boy. He should not be allowed to breath the air for one more second except while he is being beaten to death himself.
March 24, 2010 at 11:56 a.m.
My question to the Grandmother and Dad is this: If you all knew that he was being abused, why didn't you take him? You knew that he was in a vulnerable situation, yet you let him go back to that household. That's like standing outside and watching a house on fire while holding a water hose and not burning it out. You should have challenged the mother so everyone that knew is also responsible for this baby's death. I hope going foward that if you see this type of abuse going on in your hould again, better action will be taken and another child will not lose his life.
March 24, 2010 at 12:59 p.m.
I am so sorry for Little Deandre's suffering and his Father's pain! I feel your pain my brother, I am fighting back tears as I type this. This is appalling......... SHAME on you DCFS, and the HAWTHORNE police department.
Where's Deandre's PROTECTION!
Rest now Little Brother "DEANDRE" you will not be forgotten.
March 24, 2010 at 1:44 p.m.
The person(s) who did this should burn in hell they do not deserve to live.RIP baby Deandre Green.
March 24, 2010 at 3:05 p.m.
God & the Devil...
they are both active in Los ANGELES
both an invisible power in the air
not viewable for our eyes
but it is there...
We need to defeat the devil
Also this ghetto live needs to stop
We need more equality in all communities but what separates us from each other in money, we eat us all up cause of money, and some let this anger out on a helpless child...
God help us
Protect us all
March 24, 2010 at 3:06 p.m.
It is obvious that the mother new the abuse was going on also. I think she should also be charged in this innocent childs tragic death! Parents are to protect their children, not let them be abused! As a mother and a grandmother I know if I saw abuse my children or grandchildren would not be in that environment even if I had to kidnap them. I am so sorry for this little angel that was so tragically taken from this world.May he rest in peace! And yes maybe child services are not well staffed but is that an excuse to neglect a serious call? Which now has ended in a childs death!!
March 24, 2010 at 4:21 p.m.
Instead of trying to find someone to point the finger at, we all need to be more accountable for our babies and our communities. We need to do our part in making sure that these types of situations don't continue to exist in our communities. What can you do to stop child abuse? Educate yourselves, then educate others and watch the company you keep. RIP Lil Man!!!
March 24, 2010 at 4:42 p.m.
i feel the person who told the family
that the person who was on the case to be on vacation both should feel guilt the rest of there lives because nobody in they right mind would let something that go on it don't have to be my child could be anybody baby boy or girl. ask god to forgive them because i want. "amen"..........now
March 25, 2010 at 12:40 p.m.
This is stupid! How can the police department not do anything if the child was brought to the station with signs of abuse. I don't understand how the police department works. Another question why did this father let his child go back to the mother and her boyfriend! That would have been one kidnapping case I would have taken to save my childs life.
March 26, 2010 at 11:32 a.m.
Syscom3- They may be understaffed but this same tragedy has happened over and over and over again. Ten years ago I was the foster mother of a little girl she was well taken care of with me-then the DCFS decided that her biological mother was ready to take care of her-she was with her mother for three months before her & her boyfriend beat her to death-she now resides in the Inglewood Cemetary-so it's not understaffed it's under educated and lazy!!!!!
March 26, 2010 at 12:29 p.m.
Look at how CUTE he is - and those big PRETTY eyes!!!! What an angel; What a precious little BABY. Rest in Peace Sweetheart. To the family...REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES; when DeAndre smiled, when he LAUGHED, when he PLAYED. GONE TOO SOON!!!!!!
March 26, 2010 at 3:22 p.m.
This is the most tragic report that I have ever read. Look at this innocent, defenseless, perfect child.
May Deandre rest in peace. May God have mercy on this little boy's parents. Additionally, may his untimely death serve as a lesson to all single parents to make your first priority the welfare and protection of your children. Kids don't ask to come into this world. If they make it here, it is the duty and responsibility of the parent(s) to make sure that they are properly cared for.
That this horrible crime was allowed to happen to this precious little guy....is pitiful. It demonstrates just how depraved our society is.
Unfortunately, these crimes occur among all races. Each incident is as horrific as any other. God help us all.
March 26, 2010 at 4:14 p.m.
Sad this happened, I actually know the father and his family honestly its a very sad situation, but like another reader stated, we cant point the finger at anyone, but as a community we need to focus on how this was overlooked by the County of Los Angeles who happen to be one of the largest child welfare entities that exist.
March 27, 2010 at 9:54 a.m.
My goodness this little boy was so adorable. I know he is with the angels above. To his father and family...Be strong...Cherish the memories you had with DeAndre. I am a mother of a 3 year old son and the bond we have is unbreakable. I cannot imagine what goes thru the mind of a person that would harm an innocent defenseless child. The boyfriend, mother should be put under the jail for this crime. You are a good man DeAndre, I wish there was a way I could lighten the burden on you and your families hearts. Just be assured that I am praying for you from afar...Your son is beautiful...He has his wings now...RIP to Little DeAndre...
March 27, 2010 at 11:31 a.m.
The logical response that the case worker should have said is she /he is on vacation IS THERE SOMETHING I can help u with. Even though I don't know the baby ... Rest in peace my little buddy.
March 28, 2010 at 6:45 a.m.
It's frustrating to hear the family members and commenters blaming DCFS and the police. There's a pervasive mentality of dependence on the government in these communities. When are people going to figure out that the government is incompetent, that you have to take personal responsibility to protect your own family members instead of relying on an incompetent government to do your job for you?
March 28, 2010 at 8:24 p.m.
WHOEVER IS TO BLAME FOR THIS INNOCENT CHILD'S LIFE, DOSEN'T REALLY MATTER, WHAT MATTERS IS THAT NO ONE EVEN TRIED TO HELP THIS LIL ANGEL GET OUT OF HELL AND GET SOMEWHERE SOMEONE WOULD HAVE LOVED HIM AND TAKEN CARE OF HIM...
March 29, 2010 at 9:42 a.m.
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR WHAT HAPPEND TO LITTLE DEANDRE WHEN I SAW THIS ARTICAL IT MADE ME SAD BECAUSE THIS IS A SAD THING THAT HAPPEND I GIVE MY DEEPIEST SIMPATHY TO THE FAMILY BUT NOT THE MOTHER BECAUSE SHE KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON SHE SHOULD BE IN JAIL TO I LOVE YOU LITTLE DEANDRE R.I P EVERYTHING IS ALL RIGHT NOW NO MORE BEATINGS YOU REST NOW LITTLE ANGEL YOU WILL BE MISSED.
March 31, 2010 at 5:43 p.m.
its a shame all you people who knew and done nothing you all should have went and took that lil angel away from them devils rip lil man angie b las vegas
April 3, 2010 at 4:27 p.m.
My heart hurts really,really bad. I can not sleep. The thougt gose threw my mind why ? I REMEMBER the first time I got a chance to meant my baby cousin. I FELT DEEPLY IN LOVE.I can not understand the reason why this happened all I know is I CAN'T SLEEP.I' been up for day's thinking about this nightmare.. Yes ,relative of lil man someone please pray for me .I CAN'T SLEEP. It feels like I AM LOSING MIND THINKING ABOUT D.J. PLEASE PLEASE SOMEONE PRAY FOR ME. GOD BLESS U C.J
April 6, 2010 at 8:47 p.m.
Taffyyyyyyyy-Please just hold on-God will comfort your heart and give you peace. Sleep will come and even if it's for a little while. I don't know you or Deandre but my heart hurts for you and Deandre's Mom and the rest of the family- Hear me Taffy I AM PRAYING FOR YOU
April 7, 2010 at 6:51 a.m.
GOD GIVE ME THE STRENGT TO GO ON. IT HAPPEN SO SUDDENLY I WOKE UP ONE MORNING WITH D.J ON MY MIND. JUST SOMETHING YOU DID . COULD'T STOP THINKING ABOUT YOU. WANTED INSTANT REPLAY OF YESTERDAYS. SOMEBODY LOVS YOU,DEANDRE JR.GOD AND BOTH SIDES OF THE FAMILY. REST IN PEACE DEANDRE REST IN PEACE.LOVE TAY TAY OXOXOXOXOX
April 7, 2010 at 9:22 a.m.
Today is a brand new day without DEANDRE JR.As the time gose bye. I wonder about whats going on in the killers mind. SO strange as I sit and think about this horrible situation everyday. Still can not sleep.FOR A MINUTE MY MIND IS CLEAR OF THIS NIGHTMARE.That's because I'M Daydreaming thinking about why it happen to the LOVELY BONE. I know one thing for sure the killer will answer to GOD.AMEN.I can't rest right now so DEANDRE R.I.P LOVE FOREVER AND EVER. GEEKED UP
April 13, 2010 at 7:15 p.m.
As I sit and read the COMMENT that people make about what happen to D.J. Also the bad and rude things they say about the mother. You should thank GOD it's not you and your family going threw what her family is suffering.IF THERE WAS ALOT MORE GOOD PEOPLE ON EARTH. THINGS LIKE THIS WOULDN'T HAPPEN. I ask that everyone please pray deeply for the mother.She is very young and never been a voilent person.This should open up everyone eyes.She was a VERY GOOD mother to Deandre. Please don't judge her, the truth will come out . GOD BLESS U ALL.AMEN R.I.P C.J XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
April 22, 2010 at 6:31 p.m.
XOXOX
What type of psychotic meds are u on? Really! Asking for people to pray for the mother, saying that she was a good mother!
What truth do you know.. all public information paints her just as guilty if not more.. (should be incarcerated) that she knew he was being abused and did nothing about it!
April 26, 2010 at 4:40 p.m.
This is a tragedy, this beautiful little boy who shares the same name as my two year old grandson. Our system is flawed. Social Services are flawed. I suspected my grandson was being mistreated by the mothers boyfriend who would say things to the baby like "sit your punk a@@ down". I heard this while on the phone with my grandson's mother. I first called my son who is the father of the baby, and then we made steps to remove the boy from the house. The next day, my son picked up his son and refused to return him until an emergency hearing was done. He told son's mother that he would drag her name, her mothers name and anyone eles who would not step in and protect his son. To make a long story short, my grandson lives with my son, and the mother has supervised visits. But that is just one case, what happens when no on steps in for the child. Oh, this is what happens..This mother may not have been violent, she may have never been in trouble before, but the minute that man was mean to her son, that should have been a red flag..You do not chose men or anyone else over the saftey of your children. This man didn't start out hitting this baby, I am sure it started with unkind words...People, do not be afraid to pick up the phone when you think something is not right...
April 26, 2010 at 6:03 p.m.
YURI, NO pyschotic med,just think before you speak. Yes I did say, pray for the young mother.Do you believe in GOD? You seem pretty upset when I ask everyone to pray.Did I get under your skin? R.U.UPSET? Listen to yourself ..ALL PUBLIC INFO PAINTS HER JUST AS GUILTY,SHAME ON YOU!That's, that he say she so ELEMENTARY. GOD BLESS YOU! REST IN PEACE...DEANDRE GREEN .OXOXOXOX
April 26, 2010 at 6:38 p.m.
Dear readers, just a few days ago was mt birthday. Last year on my birthday, Deandre was around. Dancing, singing along with the rest of my family. It was not the same.That's because every year on my b-day the family all come together for a big celebration.The family and myself is suffering alot. TAKING IT SO VERY HARD . SO I ask,if you decide to write anything ,please understand that everyone is reading. THANKS! LOVE YOU Deandre always and forever. TAY-TAY
April 30, 2010 at 12:47 p.m.
A parent's first responsibility is to keep their child safe! BOTH parents failed this child. After finding out the authorities were not acting in the best interest of the child (at the police station), it's inconceivable that ANY adult relative would have chosen to leave this child with the mother and her boyfriend. As another person said, you cannot wait for the government to take care of your problems. Do what you can to fix them yourself! I'm embarrassed as a human being that there were so many adults who knew this child was being abused but did not choose to take him with them to keep him safe. Just when I think I've heard everything, a new and more horrific situation is in the news. Look at the stats for child homicide in LA! Get some parenting classes going for your mothers. They certainly need them. And maybe you all should, too. I hope you all get counselling to help you recognize your complicity in this murder, and to help you cope with the guilt you all must feel.
My comment may seem cruel. But nothing is as cruel as abusing a child or allowing it to happen!
July 5, 2010 at 10:20 p.m.
personally i did not know dj but when this happened i was with a couple of ppl that knew dj's father and they called him and got the whole true story. the mother should be locked up right with her sorry a** boyfriend. what type of mother let's her boyfriend even hit her son. shame on you. to the father i pray that you get through this i am so sorry for you and your family. and if the mother is out there reading this you should be so ashamed of yourself and to your little protecters on here (xoxoxo) trying to be on your side i hope they know that no matter how much they protect you on earth you will face god on your own with this on your shoulders.
July 16, 2010 at 11:39 p.m.
This senseless slaying could have been avoided if the father was receiving the government subsidy for this child instead of the mother. Why are We The People paying for this crap?
Oct. 23, 2010 at 11:42 a.m.
Not only should Hector Ernest Jr, the victim's mother; should be held responsible. But also the Social Worker,should be held responsible for the victim's crime. Who chose to turn the head the other way and not comply with the protocol of the job as a Social Worker
Nov. 30, 2010 at 12:51 p.m.
This is the face of pure innocence. The mother and the murderer should be given the death penalty. How do you beat a baby to potty train him? These monsters have no souls. RIP Deandre, Jr. You are a sweet angel and nobody can ever harm you again.
Also, I never lay a hand on my kids, and if anybody else ever did, they would find themselves 6 feet under. How could this animal of a mother allow her baby to be hurt???
May 5, 2011 at 6:33 p.m.
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