California Barber Charged: A horrific case in Orange County, California, has left a community in shock as a local barber stands accused of brutally beating a 6-year-old boy to death after the child wet his pants. The accused, Ernest Lamar Love, 41, has been charged with murder, torture, and child abuse causing death for his alleged role in the death of young Chance Crawford. Love, who was babysitting the boy at the time of the incident, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Tragic Incident
On August 29, 2024, Love was reportedly tasked with babysitting Chance Crawford while the boy’s mother worked the night shift at a hospital. Authorities say the incident unfolded around 6:30 p.m. after the boy had an accident and wet his pants while at a park in Placentia, California. Love, angered by the incident, is accused of taking Chance to his barber shop, where surveillance footage captured Love entering with a large piece of raw lumber, with a hesitant Chance trailing behind him.
According to prosecutors, what followed was a series of violent acts that resulted in the child’s death. Love is accused of beating Chance with the piece of lumber, shaking him violently, and inflicting horrific injuries. The boy was reportedly forced to do physical exercises, including push-ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks, as further punishment. Love allegedly poured hydrogen peroxide on the boy’s open wounds, causing further pain and suffering.
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Medical Examination and Cause of Death
At approximately 1:30 a.m., Love drove the unconscious and severely injured Chance Crawford to a local emergency room, rather than calling 911. Medical professionals who examined the child discovered severe injuries, including exposed wounds, missing flesh, a subdural hematoma, and extreme brain swelling. He also suffered a fractured shoulder blade and other injuries consistent with violent shaking.
Despite efforts to save him, Chance Crawford succumbed to his injuries on September 3, 2024. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office stated that the extent of the boy’s injuries was shocking, describing the torture and abuse as unimaginable.
Family Mourns the Loss of Chance Crawford
Chance’s death has left his family devastated and seeking justice for the 6-year-old. Vance Crawford, the boy’s father, expressed his deep anger and grief, telling ABC7, “He’s six years old. I wanted to see my son graduate. He lived a happy life. He was great. He was a great kid. I love my son. I miss him so much. He didn’t deserve that.”
The boy’s great-aunt, Carmen Hill, added, “That kid was sweet. What kind of monster are you?” The child’s cousin, Aisha Herrell, also shared her sorrow, saying, “This is killing us slowly because no child deserves to get treated like this.”
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and is calling for justice for Chance. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer echoed the family’s call for justice, describing the brutality of the crime and vowing to pursue justice on Chance’s behalf. “Words do not exist to describe the absolute terror this little boy was forced to endure – all at the hands of someone who was supposed to be protecting him,” Spitzer said.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Ernest Lamar Love is currently being held without bond and faces life in prison plus five years if convicted on all charges. The case has drawn significant attention, with community members and local officials alike rallying around the family in their search for answers and justice.
As the case moves forward, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has pledged to aggressively pursue charges against Love, ensuring that justice is served for the tragic death of Chance Crawford.