An 8-year-old boy from Illinois, Leland “Lee” Arnett, died after being brutally attacked while trying to protect his mother from her allegedly abusive boyfriend in De Soto on May 13.
According to police and court records, Lee was beaten with a baseball bat during a domestic incident. Both he and his mother were taken to the hospital, but Lee did not survive. His mother remains in critical condition.
Family members said Lee acted as a protector in the violent situation, despite his young age. He is remembered in his obituary as a kind, loving child with a brave heart who always stood up for others.
A GoFundMe has been created to help cover funeral and medical expenses, as well as support his family.
The suspect, Marcus Moultrie, 36, has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled for July 6.