Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

Police Look for Virginia Toddler Taken From Home
posted 01/15/10 5:37 am

(http://www.acc-tv.com/images/wjla/news/vidcap_amberalert011510.jpg)

VIRGINIA - Police are looking for a Roanoke toddler who was taken from his home by three men.

An Ambert Alert was issued Friday morning for 2-year-old Aveion Malik Lewis.

Police say the men knocked Lewis' stepfather unconscious and took the boy late Thursday afternoon. They left a note asking for money.

The men may be traveling in a white 1990s Chevrolet Blazer.

The boy is described as black with close-cut black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing yellow SpongeBob Squarepants footie pajamas.

Police say the suspects are a 6-foot-2 black male in his late 20s with a stocky build and beard; a 5-foot-11 black male in his late 20s with dreadlocks and a muscular upper body; and a 5-foot-11 black male, 23 to 24 years old, with no facial hair.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to call police at (540) 853-2212 or (800) 822-4453

http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=11826595

(http://wdbj.images.worldnow.com/images/11826595_BG4.jpg)

January 15, 2010
UPDATED: Amber Alert issued for missing Roanoke child

A statewide Amber Alert has been issued for a young child who was reportedly abducted in Southeast Roanoke.

Police tell us they are looking for two-year-old Aveion M. Lewis.

According to police, the mother says three men walked into their apartment King Charles Avenue on Thursday around 6:30 p.m.

They allegedly knocked a male inside unconscious.

When he woke up, he found Aveion missing, and a four-year-old female bound and restrained. She was not hurt.

Police have called off the helicopter search for now. They have also stopped doing door-to-door searches.

They will continue police patrols through the area.

HERE IS A COPY OF THE PRESS RELEASE:

Roanoke Police Department Requests Public's Assistance in Searching for Missing Child The Roanoke Police Department is investigating a reported abduction of a two year old male. Officers responded on January 14, 2010, at 6:41 p.m. to an apartment in the 2100 block of King Charles Avenue. An adult female stated that her two year old son had been abducted from her home. The initial investigation indicates that three or more suspects entered the residence, assaulted an adult male in the residence, and reportedly knocked him unconscious. When the male awoke he reported that a two year old male child in the apartment was missing, and a four year old female child was bound and restrained. The suspects are described as three black males.

First suspect description:

Black male, dark complexion

Age possibly in his late 20's

6'2" in height

Medium build

Full beard

Wore all black clothing including a black hooded sweatshirt, a black jacket with fur around the hood, and a black scarf on his head.

Second suspect description:

Black male, light complexion

Age possibly in his late 20's

5'11" in height

Medium to muscular build

Hair in dread locks

Small or slanted eyes

Wore red Saint Louis Cardinals baseball cap

Third suspect description:

Black male, light complexion

Age possibly in his early 20's

5'11" in height

Thin build

Wore a brown kit cap with a rim with white writing on it, white shirt, and blue jeans

The suspects were possibly traveling in a large white SUV. The Roanoke Police Department is currently working on activating an Amber Alert. The missing child is identified Aveion M. Lewis

http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0110/696297.html

http://www.youtube.com/v/ktASep0jLpg&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1

He was last seen wearing yellow SpongeBob Squarepants footie pajamas  ::MonkeyWaa:: ::MonkeyWaa:: ::MonkeyWaa:: ::MonkeyWaa::

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/233222
Police seek 3 men in case of missing Roanoke boy

Saturday, January 16, 2010
Aveion Lewis' stepfather said the men left a ransom note addressed to an acquaintance of his.

By Amanda Codispoti | The Roanoke Times

The kidnappers knocked the stepfather unconscious, bound and gagged a girl, ransacked the house and left a ransom note before taking the 2-year-old boy.

Thursday's reported violent abduction of Southeast Roanoke toddler Aveion M. Lewis received national media attention on Friday as police and FBI agents continued searching for him.

He was home with his stepfather, Brandon Lockett, and three siblings when a knock came from the back door of their duplex in Jamestown Place, Lockett said Friday.

As soon as Lockett opened the door, he was knocked unconscious, he said.

"All I felt was just a bam," he said. He said he didn't know what he was hit with.

Lockett, who had a cut on his lip and evident swelling on his face Friday morning, said he woke up in the living room just as his wife, Morgan Lockett, returned home.

They found their 4-year-old girl gagged and bound in a bedroom. Two other children, a 2-year-old girl and an 11-month-old boy, were not harmed.

Police were called about 6:40 p.m. and searched the neighborhood with K-9s. Virginia State Police brought in a helicopter that has an infrared camera to detect body heat.

On Friday, detectives knocked on doors in the area and showed residents pictures of the boy. Officers throughout the city handed out fliers. The FBI showed a photo of Aveion on electronic billboards across the state, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children sent information on the case to police departments within 100 miles of Roanoke.

Police had also set up a command center at its downtown headquarters, which will be open 24 hours to take tips and review information.

Police had not ruled out any possibility in the case as of Friday evening, said Aisha Johnson, the department's spokeswoman.

Brandon Lockett was able to give police a description of each suspect, because he said he'd seen them hanging around the duplex earlier in the day.

At one point, he asked them to leave, and one of the men said his name was Tony, and that he knew a friend of Lockett's.

Lockett said he believes the abductors were using his family to get to someone he knows because the ransom note, which asked for $10,000, was addressed to that person. Lockett declined to disclose the name on the note.

He said he is angry that the men involved his family in their dispute.

"We live a simple life," he said. "We don't bother nobody."

The Locketts' anger mixed with anguish as the couple waited at home Friday for news of Aveion.

"I just want my baby back," Morgan Lockett said.

She is particularly worried about her son's health because he was born premature and has digestive problems. As a result, he doesn't have a lot of fat on his body, and has to be kept warm or his body temperature drops quickly, the family said.

But the Locketts remain hopeful.

Aveion will be 3 on Jan. 26, and the family is still planning to celebrate his birthday at Chuck E. Cheese.

"He's going to come home," Brandon Lockett said.

Until he's found, the family said prayer is all that can help them.

"God's going to keep him safe," Lockett said.

Hinky meter alert, imo.

Is it someone owes money?  Does this involve drugs?  I would be going out of my mind if my child were taken.  I think these people have a darned good idea who has the little boy.  They don't seem scared enough nor outraged or desperate to find their child imo. What is his family doing to try to find him?    I hope whomever has Aveion takes good care of him.  I'm not sure he should be given back to the family though, without  finding out what the heck went on.  The whole thing is weird to me.  Sometimes things can go wrong and bad things can happen.  Praying for little Aveion.   ::MonkeyAngel::

Muffy I read a remark in one of the reports that came out right after he went missing that led me to believe this wasn't a kidnapping. I will not repeat the remark until I find it again. I'll keep looking.

In the article I last posted, mention was made of a "ransom note" asking for $10,000 and the note was addressed to someone else.   But from the tone of the words spoken by the family in the article, it just doesn't seem to fit.  What struck me too was at then end of the article:  "Until he's found, the family said prayer is all that can help them."
While I'm a strong believer in the power of prayer, I'm also a believer in God helps those that help themselves.  In other words, yes by all means pray for Aveion's safe return, but in the mean time, get out and do something to help find him!!!  (I wasn't trying to turn this into a religious issue)  If the family has been advised not to do anything, then that might be different.  Maybe the police  have an idea who and why Aveion was taken, I don't know.  Why was Aveion taken?  The 4 yo girl was bound and gagged, possibly because she saw the men taking Aveion, and the eleven month old was left.  Why was the two year old taken  Was it because he couldn't speak out like the 4 year old girl?  He would be easier to hide?  Easier to care for then the 11 month old? 

What are the chances three men can walk up to a door and knock someone out without serious harm?  Was the step father really knocked out? Or did he get hit a time or two and told to stand by or else?  My mind is going all over the place with this.  No one go seriously injured here as far as getting roughed up by three men goes with the exception of taking Aveion.  I pray he is being kept warm and safe.   ::MonkeyAngel::  The story isn't adding up.  Did someone in the family harm Aveion?  And the thing about the house being rummaged through, the little girl tied up and the ransom is that all something made to cover up something else?  Were there really three men that did this?  Is this another Hassani Campbell?   ::MonkeyNoNo::

This is what I read. It is in the comment section on the tv site.

,When this baby was 15 mths old is was taken from the home by Social Services because of Neglect. It was nearly dead. After nearly a year of being out of the home Social Services put the baby back into the same home that he nearly died in. NOW he is missing under some Rouse of a KIDNAPPING??? HELLOOOOO EVERYONE!!!!!
POLICE——FBI——Get those parents, the mother would not feed the babay, the stepfather???? COME on Roanoke Valley DONT let this happen SOMEONE bang on the doors and find this baby, it might not be too late yet.  NO MATTER what happened to him DON’T let this child be unnotice. HE was loved very much. SOCIAL SERVICES-the system turned him back out and where is he, did they do home visits? Did they follow up on him to make sure he was ok??? COME ON ASK THE QUESTIONS??????
Where is the MOTHER? RANDSOME NOTE ON A medical bill???PEOPLE please help bring this baby home, we love him and will take care of him.



http://www.ask.com/bar?q=Missing+baby%2C+Roanoke%2C+Virginia&page=2&qsrc=121&dm=all&ab=3&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.wsls.com%2Fsls%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Farticle%2Fbreaking_news_roanoke_police_searching_for_missing_child%2F74825%2F&sg=YrXPeficS3ww7HF0JP97Jm3pPbqg2FdQyuGoaxcyyNo%3D&tsp=1263688795846

 ::MonkeyNoNo::  My words in my last post: " The story isn't adding up.  Did someone in the family harm Aveion?  And the thing about the house being rummaged through, the little girl tied up and the ransom is that all something made to cover up something else?  Were there really three men that did this?  Is this another Hassani Campbell? "   

Is this another Hassani Campbell?

Sadly I think it is.

Beautiful little boy, just precious. Sadly the child who is the most vulnerable is usually the child that gets the worse abuse. The bully mentality... I pray that the concern this step dad had in his interview, when he said, "Just keep him warm" was coming from his heart. 

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/233364

Search for missing 2-year-old Roanoke boy continues

Roanoke police continued Saturday to investigate the abduction of 2-year-old Aveion Lewis.

According to police, three men walked into a Southeast Roanoke apartment, knocked the boy's stepfather unconscious, bound and restrained a 4-year-old girl and took Aveion with them.

Roanoke officers and FBI agents revisited the area Saturday and conducted a door-to-door canvass of the neighborhood, Roanoke police said in a news release.

Officers held a traffic checkpoint to get new information from neighborhood residents.

Anyone with information is urged to call 853-2212.

Link to a video I hadn't seen before.

http://www2.wsls.com/sls/news/local/article/amber_alert_still_on_family_speaks_out/75016/

http://wjz.com/wireapnewsva/Police.FBI.search.2.1433534.html

Search Continues For Abducted Va Toddler

Jan 18, 2010 2:54 pm US/Eastern

ROANOKE, Va. (AP) ―  Police and the FBI are continuing their search for a 2-year-old boy who was abducted from his home in Roanoke.

The Roanoke Police Department said Monday that it's received more than 150 tips in the case.

An Amber Alert remains in effect for 2-year-old Aveion Malik Lewis. He was last seen wearing yellow SpongeBob Squarepants footie pajamas.

Police say three men took the boy Thursday after they knocked his stepfather unconscious. They left a note asking for money.

The men may be traveling in a white 1990s Chevrolet Blazer.

The police department says authorities have conducted ground and aerial searches and spoken to residents in the area where the boy was abducted.

***********************************
It doesn't look like anything new is being released.  Praying for the safe return of Aveion Lewis  ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/crime/article/AMBGAT18_20100118-064601/318413/
Amber Alert for kidnapped 2-year-old still active

Published: January 18, 2010

An Amber Alert remained active today for a 2-year-old boy who was kidnapped last Thursday night in Roanoke.

Richmond-area police were put on the lookout Friday morning for a sport utility vehicle that may have been used in the kidnapping, but as of today, no arrests had been made in the case.

Police said a white, 1990s model Chevrolet Blazer is believed to have been used in the kidnapping of 2-year-old Aveion Malik Lewis.

Authorities said three men went in a Southeast Roanoke apartment, knocked the boy's stepfather unconscious, bound and restrained a 4-year-old girl and took Aveion with them. A note was left demanding money.

Roanoke police said their officers and FBI agents revisited the area Saturday and conducted a door-to-door canvass of the neighborhood.

Amber Alert officials with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said the three suspects were as black males. One was in his late 20s and was 6 feet, 2 inches tall, with a dark complexion, medium build and was wearing a black sweatshirt, jacket and scarf. Another was in his late 20s and was 5 feet, 11 inches tall with a light complexion, medium to muscular build with dread-locked hair and slanted eyes and was wearing a red St. Louis Cardinals baseball cap. The third was 5 feet, 11 inches tall with a light complexion and thin build and was wearing a black hat with white writing on it, a white shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information can call Virginia State Police at (800) 822-4453 or Roanoke police at (540) 853-2211.

http://www2.wsls.com/sls/news/local/article/search_continues_for_local_toddler/75158/

Search continues for local toddler
(Video Available in Article)
Monday, January 18, 2010

The FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children are now assisting state and local police in a missing toddler case.  An Amber Alert was issued Thursday for two year old Aveion Lewis. He was taken from his home in Roanoke Thursday night.  Police say three men entered the apartment, knocked a man unconscious and then tied up a four year old girl.  The family tells WSLS, the suspects also left behind a ransom note.
Saturday, family and friends stepped up efforts to find Aveion.  From searching the neighborhood on foot for clues to passing out fliers as far as Salem.  Despite all of this, there are still more questions than answers.  “We have not heard a thing. Nobody has called, nobody has any news or information, anything”, said Cara Ward, Aveion’s Aunt.
The family says investigators were in the neighborhood throughout the day Saturday.  FBI agents as well as Roanoke City Police are working to canvas the neighborhood, talking to people about what they may have seen or heard the night of the kidnapping.  As for the family, they continue to do what they can to get the word out, until Aveion is home safe.  “Kids are innocent and children have nothing to do with whats going on.  Just please bring back my nephew”, said Ward.
If you have any information on Aveion Lewis, call Virginia State Police at 1-800-822-4453 (1-800-VACHILD).


Cara Ward, Aveion's Aunt said (quoted from article above): "Kids are innocent and children have nothing to do with what's going on.  Just please bring back my nephew:, said Ward".  My question is:  What's going on?  What does the Aunt mean? 

http://www.wset.com/news/stories/0110/697456.html
Search For 2-year-old Expands
posted 01/19/10 12:57 pm
Roanoke, VA - Investigators have expanded their search for a missing 2-year-old boy who was abducted from his Roanoke home.

Around noon Tuesday, crews and volunteers started searching areas around Roanoke beyond the vacinity where Aveion Malik Lewis
disappeared from Thursday.

Aveion Malik Lewis


Crews are searching using boats on the Roanoke River to search the banks and the water for any signs of the toddler.  Search dogs are also scouring the area.
Talkback:
Click Here to Comment on this Story http://www.wset.com/news/stories/0110/697456.html#commentsform
Roanoke Police Department said Monday that it's received more than 150 tips in the case.

He was last seen wearing yellow SpongeBob Squarepants footie pajamas.

Police say three men took the boy Thursday after they knocked his stepfather unconscious. They left a note asking for money.
The men may be traveling in a white 1990s Chevrolet Blazer.

It doesn't appear the police are looking for a live child.   ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www2.wsls.com/sls/news/local/article/after_150_tip_still_no_sign_of_missing_roanoke_toddler_aveion_lewis/75412/
After 150+ tips, still no sign of missing Roanoke toddler
(Video Available in Article)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010



5:03 p.m.

By Meagan Farley
WSLS 7pm Anchor

For the family of Aveion Lewis, the weekend brought minimal answers.

“The only thing we know for a fact right now is that my nephew is missing,“ said Chris Ward, Aveion’s Uncle.

Ward says he hasn’t heard a thing from the alleged kidnappers, who he says asked for $10,000 in a ransom note. “There hasn’t been any contact from anybody.“

As days pass, Ward says the situation is getting more dire for Aveion.  “He needs to eat. He has health issues.“

The Roanoke Police Department says it is following up on more than 150 tips or leads it received throughout Virginia and outside of the state. Aveion’s family hopes the neighborhood opens up as much as possible.

“It is OK to give up what you know.  They’re not worried about whose doing what in the neighborhood.  They are worried about that little boy.“


———-

3:00 p.m.

WSLS News Staff
news@wsls.com

The Roanoke City Police Department says it has received more than 150 tips in the search for missing two-year-old Aveion Lewis.

Today (Monday), investigators went back to the Jamestown Place apartments.  Officers, State Police troopers, and agents from the FBI have also conducted multiple ground and air searches using handheld heat detectors.

Investigators also say they have asked people living in and around the Jamestown Place apartments to consent to a search of their apartments, as well as to fill out questionnaires.  Police say they’ve received an overwhelming response.

Police believe Aveion was abducted last Thursday from his home at the Jamestown Place apartments in the 2100 block of King Charles Avenue.

Aveion’s step-father told police that three men came into the home, knocked him unconscious.  When he woke up, he foundp his four-year-old step-daughter tied up in an upstairs bedroom, and Aveion missing.

State Police issued am Amber Alert for Aveion early on Friday.  Troopers say Aveion was last seen wearing a yellow Sponge Bob Squarepants Footie Pajamas.

State Police say a note requesting money was left behind.  Aveion’s mother told WSLS last Friday that the note demanded $10,000.  The brother of Aveion’s mother told WSLS that the ransom note was written on a piece of paper from inside the home, and that paper was a medical bill from Carilion.

Investigators say they have set up a command center inside in the Police Department for the case.  It will be staffed 24 hours a day.

Police are using FBI software to help gather tips from the community, as well as organize the information to help officers in the field.

Aveion has a health problem, because he was born premature.  He needs special food because of it.

http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/233522
Roanoke police expand search for missing 2-year-old boy
UPDATE: Roanoke police have announced a press conference for 5:15 p.m. today.

Good afternoon Moneys. 

This is so sad.

Updated: 5:19 p.m.

Police believe missing two-year-old Aveion M. Lewis is dead, Roanoke police chief Joe Gaskins said in a press conference today.

Police have shifted their search for the boy to a search for his body after the boy's stepfather, Brandon Lockett, told police the toddler had died. No one has been charged in the boy's death. Police are holding Lockett in custody.

Police did not release any information about the circumstances of Aveion's death.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/233522

Thanks Pooky.that is what I was afraid of.     ::MonkeyNoNo::

The story just sounded fishy from the start.  I hope little Aveion's body can be recovered.  May he rest in peace.   ::MonkeyAngel::  I wonder what happened, and I wonder how much  Aveion's mother and/or other family members were in on it too, or had at least some knowledge of what occured?  I think they must have known.  JMHO 

Missing 2-Year-Old Case Now Death Investigation

posted 01/19/10 5:38 pm

Roanoke, VA - Police are now treating the case of a missing Roanoke toddler as a death investigation.

2-year-old Aveion Lewis was reported missing to police last Thursday, but police say conflicting stories forced them to focus on his step-father.

Brandon Lockett, who we spoke to last week, is now in custody, and being questioned in the death of his step-son. He has not been charged.

Police say that Lockett told them Aveion was dead prior to his 911to report the child missing.

However, police have not located the boy's body, and will continue searching until the body is found.

We'll have more on this story on ABC 13 News at 7:00.

http://www.wset.com/news/stories/0110/697571.html

I think I'd like to wait a bit before moving this thread to "deceased", until after an official release by the police about Aveion's demise.   ::MonkeyTears::

MichelleSigona
 
..Brandon Lockett is in custody, not charged as of yet..

  28 minutes ago   from mobile web 
http://twitter.com/MichelleSigona

IA Muffy, after it is officially reported.

http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-missing-roanoke-boy-update,0,6384921.storyBreaking News: Missing Roanoke Toddler Now Believed Dead
Police Don't Think Child Was Ever Abducted

January 19, 2010
ROANOKE - Roanoke Police now believe a missing two-year-old may be dead. They are now switching their search for him to a death investigation.

Below is a press release from Roanoke Police with the latest:

On January 14, 2010, the Roanoke Police Department received a report of the abduction of Aveion Malik Lewis from the 2100 block of King Charles Avenue. Since then, the department has investigated the reported abduction and received varying degrees of cooperation from key persons in the investigation; which lead police to question the validity of information received from some individuals. As a result, investigators began to focus on the possibility that Brandon Lockett, Aveion' step-father was not providing accurate details. Based on conflicting statements given, and significant developments within the last 24 hours, police determined that it was necessary to expand the previous and ongoing ground search. As the search progressed, Police were advised that the reported abduction did not occur. It is with great regret and sadness that the Roanoke Police Department announces that our investigation has moved from an abduction to an investigation into the death of Aveion Malik Lewis. All indications are that Aveion was deceased prior to the 911 call made on January 14. This information has been provided by Brandon Lockett. Unfortunately, police do not yet have a known location of Aveion's body. The expanded ground search, which began this morning will continue in an effort locate Aveion. Investigators are working to obtain more information surrounding the circumstances of Aveion's death, and those details cannot be released at this time. During this investigation we have received overwhelming support and cooperation from the public, and the Roanoke Police Department thanks everyone for their cooperation. The department asks for the public's continued support, assistance, and cooperation. This investigation is ongoing, and anyone with additional information regarding this investigation should call the Roanoke Police Department. The department thanks the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Virginia State Police, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and numerous public safety agencies and search teams from across the state and outside Virginia.

I just got word of this latest and was coming to make sure it was here too. So very sad, another senseless ending of an innocent babies life. My the Lord comfort the family and friends who loved Aveion and my he be wrapped in the warm loving arms of the Lord tonight.  ::MonkeyTears::


And may the one who killed him burn in hell.   ::MonkeyMad::

http://www2.wsls.com/sls/news/local/article/the_family_of_aveion_lewis_reacts_to_his_death_and_faked_abduction/75839/

The family of Aveion Lewis reacts to his death and faked abduction

By Meagan Farley  | WSLS10 Anchor
Published: January 19, 2010
Updated: January 19, 2010

On January 14th, the stepfather of Aveion Lewis, Brandon Lockett, called 911 saying someone beat him up and kidnapped Aveion.  Police now say he was lying.

“All indications are Aveion was deceased prior to the 911 call made on the 14th,“ says Roanoke Police Chief Joe Gaskins.

Aveion’s body still hasn’t been found. Tuesday night the Lockett home was an active crime scene and Chris Ward, Aveion’s Uncle, was still in shock even though he didn’t believe Lockett’s story from the beginning.  “We had already put this together when it hit, but I’m not prepared for it.“

Police are calling this a death investigation at this time, not a murder.  Lockett is being questioned but has not been officially charged. For some family members, there still isn’t a sense of closure.  “They still haven’t found his body,“ said Ward.

http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/local/police-missing-toddler-believed-dead-011910
Police: Missing Toddler Believed Dead

Updated: Tuesday, 19 Jan 2010, 8:44 PM EST
Published : Tuesday, 19 Jan 2010, 8:44 PM EST

ROANOKE, Va. - Roanoke police say they believe a 2-year-old taken from his home last week is now dead.

Roanoke police chief Joe Gaskins said Tuesday that authorities shifted their search after Aveion M. Lewis' stepfather told police the toddler had died.

No one has been charged, but the stepfather, Brandon Lockett, is in custody.

Police did not release any information about the circumstances of Aveion's death. The child was last seen wearing yellow SpongeBob Squarepants footie pajamas.

Last week, police said three men took the boy Thursday after they knocked his stepfather unconscious. They left a note asking for money.
 

If he told them he was dead, why not tell them what he did with him.  ::MonkeyWaa:: ::MonkeyWaa::

That was my first thought too, SuzieQ.  But then I realized maybe the stepfather doesn't want Aveion found, because the police might be able to establish his cause of death, which may not have been an accident or natural death.  I haven't seen anything in the articles yet that states the cause of death for Aveion before the 911 call was made.  I wonder if the stepfather is trying for a plea deal?  Maybe he wants something in exchange for telling where the body is?  It may be harder to convict without the body.  Somehow, some way the stepfather has confessed that Aveion was dead before the call.  Maybe it's just going to take some more time to get the rest.  If Aveion is in the water, the longer he's in there, the harder it is for evidence.  And then I wonder about the garbage dump.  So much time has passed since he was reported missing.   ::MonkeyNoNo::  I hope Aveion can be recovered. 

Rant warning!

I've been gone five days and come back to check on the progress of little Aveion taken from his home in a home invasion in his little spongebob squarepants jammies, and read this!  Will this crap ever end?  When will we as a society be able to move past these "fake abductions"?  How does this effect law enforcement when they receive a call of an actual real abduction?  Will they take it seriously?  Or will they immediately think the whole thing is a ruse to cover up a death?  What about the detailed descriptions of the assailants and the vehicle?  Oh, and I'm going to touch on the race issue too.  What about the missing and murdered young black children whose families begged for police to take their case seriously, only to have the case end in tragedy. Jahmeshia Conner comes to mind, I'm sure there are others but I am so irate right now I can't think of any.  In the week of the great Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, how do you think he would feel about what has taken place here and what will continue to take place as long as the familial unit is not valued in some of black society?  If this is too political, please delete.

I hope and pray that Aveion did not suffer, that he will be able to rest in peace, and that justice will be served in his honor.

Rant over.

http://codeamber.org/lewisva/va_012010_1009_amber_alert_lewis_cancel.php

Amber Alert Canceled for 2 Year Old Virginia Boy
Posted: Friday, January 15, 2010 8:44 AM CT
Updated: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 10:09 AM CT

The State of Virginia canceled the Amber Alert late Tuesday (01-19) after the boy's stepfather told police that the boy was not abducted as he previously claimed. Police say they believe the boy is dead and that he apparently died before the stepfather made the initial 911 call. The stepfather is being held for questioning and no charges have been filed. The boys mother has also been questioned.
<snip>

http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/233654

Aveion Lewis update: Stepfather charged, search for body continues
January 20, 2010
By Amanda Codispoti | The Roanoke Times
Roanoke police have charged the stepfather of Aveion Malik Lewis with child neglect, improper disposal of a human body and obstruction of justice, police said in a news release this afternoon.
Brandon Lockett had told police that on Thursday three men knocked him out and abducted his 2-year-old stepson. On Tuesday, he told police that the child was dead even before he was reported missing.

Police are continuing to search for the toddler's body and have not released information on how Aveion might have died.

On Jan. 14, police were called to the couple's duplex in Jamestown Place in Southeast Roanoke for a reported abduction.

Brandon Lockett told police that three men had knocked him unconscious, ransacked the house and restrained a 4-year-old girl before taking Aveion. Brandon Lockett also said the men left a ransom note demanding $10,000.

The report led to an Amber Alert and police searched for Aveion for days, conducting traffic stops, canvassing his neighborhood and passing out fliers with the boy's picture. Virginia State Police and the FBI also were involved.

But investigators had doubts early on about the validity of the reported abduction, Roanoke Police Chief Joe Gaskins said in a Tuesday news conference.

"We had some reservations about the stories that were being told, but considering the child, we couldn't afford to assume that an abduction had not occurred, so we certainly had to work it from the angle that there had been an abduction," Gaskins said.

 ::MonkeyTears::  If I live to be 100 I will never understand how people can do this.

Due to the nature of charges brought against the stepfather of Aveion Lewis, I'm moving this thread to "deceased"  I hope Aveion's body can be recovered. 

http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/233654

"Roanoke police have charged the stepfather of Aveion Malik Lewis with child neglect, improper disposal of a human body and obstruction of justice, police said in a news release this afternoon.
Brandon Lockett had told police that on Thursday three men knocked him out and abducted his 2-year-old stepson. On Tuesday, he told police that the child was dead even before he was reported missing.

Police are continuing to search for the toddler's body and have not released information on how Aveion might have died."
<snip>

http://primewriter.com/news-1246-headlines/?s=Aveion+Lewis

Aveion Malik Lewis update: Brandon Lockett charged in boy’s death

Last Thursday, police and the FBI were searching for Aveion Malik Lewis, believed to be abducted during a home invasion. An Amber Alert was issued and the search was underway. Less than a week later, Aveion’s stepfather, Brandon Lockett, has confessed that Aveion is dead. Now, the case has shifted to a death investigation and a massive search is underway to locate Aveion’s body. Brandon Lockett has been charged with improper disposal of a human body, obstruction of justice, and felony child neglect. He remains in custody.
<snip>
It is too early in the investigation to determine how Aveion Lewis died. Since his body has not been found and the cause of death is unknown, the case is not a murder investigation but a death investigation.
<snip>

http://www2.wsls.com/sls/news/local/article/brandon_lockett_is_charged_with_neglect_improper_disposal_of_a_body_and_obs/76169/

Roanoke Police charge Aveion Lewis’ step-father
By Meagan Farley | WSLS10 Anchor
Published: January 20, 2010
Updated: January 20, 2010

he search for Aveion Lewis continues as his Stepfather Brandon Lockett is charged with neglect, improper disposal of a body, and obstruction of justice.

Dogs and recovery crews searched the ground and the banks of the Roanoke River Wednesday, focusing on a two mile area surrounding Lockett’s home. Captain Curtis Davis with the Roanoke Police Department, says more than one hundred people at any given time are out searching.  “There is a dedicated team constantly on this trying to find the body.“

“We use grid maps to determine certain lengths to search and then we look at terrain. All of this to find where a person could go in there.“

As of Wednesday afternoon, recovery crews have come up empty handed and Captain Davis says Brandon Lockett isn’t helping much on that end.   ::MonkeyMad::

“I’m very frustrated. We’re not getting much information and I’m frustrated with some of the information we are getting then were not successful when we get it.“

Oh poor baby! What a little doll face he was, just horrible. I am so sad right now

Prayers for you sweet baby, may you play on the wings of angels above. RIP

http://www.macon.com/local/story/993149.html
Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010
Former Macon man charged in Va.
By AMY LEIGH WOMACK - awomack@macon.com


A former Macon man has been charged with child neglect, improper disposal of a human body and obstruction of justice in connection with the disappearance of a 2-year-old boy in Roanoke, Va., according to Roanoke police.

Brandon Real Lockett, 24, initially told Roanoke police that three men knocked him unconscious, ransacked his house and restrained a 4-year-old girl before taking his stepson Jan. 14. He said the men also left a ransom note demanding $10,000, according to a report in The Roanoke Times.

In the days since 2-year-old Aveion Lewis’ disappearance, authorities issued an Amber Alert and launched a ground search for the boy.

Tuesday, Lockett told police the toddler was dead before he was reported missing. That same day, police said that they questioned Lockett’s story, according to a news release.

Lockett is being held at the Roanoke City Jail without bond.

Other charges may be presented before a grand jury in February, Roanoke Commonwealth’s Attorney Don Caldwell told the Roanoke newspaper.

Although searches continued Wednesday, Aveion’s body hasn’t been found.

Virginia court records show that Lockett married the boy’s mother in April 2008.

Before the marriage, Georgia court records describe several run-ins that Lockett had with the law in Bibb County.

Bibb County State Court records show Lockett pleaded guilty to family violence-related simple battery and criminal trespass in 2006 and 2007. The victim was described in court records as the mother of Lockett’s infant child, a different woman than Aveion. He was sentenced to probation.

Lockett also was charged with obstructing a law enforcement officer Aug. 21, 2006, for running away from police. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 days in jail, according to court records.

On March 13, 2007, his probation was revoked because he failed to report for probation. Lockett was ordered to serve 60 days in jail and then return to probation, according to the records.

Lockett was indicted in Bibb County Superior Court on June 13, 2007, on charges that he possessed marijuana and cocaine with intent to distribute the cocaine, according to court records.

He pleaded guilty to simple possession of cocaine July 10, 2007, and was sentenced to three years on probation, according to court records.

Phone calls to Lockett’s mother, who lives in Macon, were unanswered Wednesday.

Search teams continued looking for Aveion’s body Wednesday along the Roanoke River and in wooded areas near the boy’s home, according to The Roanoke Times.

Jeanne Kauffmann and her black Labrador, Lakota, searched the muddy banks of the river with a Roanoke police detective and a police cadet.

They hiked around the winding bank, which at times was steep and covered in brush, looking under tarps, and directing Lakota to sniff out areas that looked suspicious.

At one point, Kauffmann pointed Lakota to a dirty pillow, but the dog didn’t signal that anything was there.

Roanoke police detective Rich Cooper said the investigation has been frustrating for police.

“We just want to find him,” he said.
Information from writer Amanda Codispoti of The Roanoke Times was used in this report.

To contact writer Amy Leigh Womack, call 744-4398.

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/233714
Stepfather charged in Aveion Lewis case; 2-year-old missing boy's body still sought
Brandon Lockett, who has a history of violence, has been charged in the child's disappearance.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
As the search for Aveion Lewis' body continued Wednesday, Roanoke police charged his stepfather in the toddler's disappearance.

Brandon Lockett, 24, is charged with felony child neglect, improper disposal of a human body and obstruction of justice.

Other charges may be considered by the grand jury in February, Roanoke Commonwealth's Attorney Donald Caldwell said.

Lockett's criminal record tracks back to Georgia, where court records show that, among other convictions, he was found guilty in 2006 of striking the mother of his child with a candleholder.

The search for Aveion began last Thursday, when Lockett told police that three men knocked him unconscious and abducted his 2-year-old stepson from their Jamestown Place duplex in Southeast Roanoke.
Police questioned the validity of that information, and on Tuesday, Lockett told authorities that the child was dead even before he was reported missing.

Police have not released any information on how the boy may have died, and his body had not been found as of Wednesday night.

Neither Caldwell nor Roanoke police Capt. Curtis Davis would explain why Lockett has been charged with child neglect, or whether that led to the toddler's death, because of the ongoing investigation.

"The charges are appropriate for what we have developed at this time," Davis said.

Lockett has been cooperating in some aspects of the investigation but not others, Davis said.
Lockett has a criminal record in Georgia, where he is still on probation for possession of cocaine, according to court documents.

He also has a history of violence.

Court records from Bibb County, Ga., show that in 2006 Lockett was accused of striking Janet Balkcom, the mother of his infant, with a candleholder.

He pleaded guilty to the family violence simple battery charge and was sentenced to one year of probation, according to court records. He was also required to attend a family violence intervention program and pay a fine.

About a month later, Lockett forced his way into Balkcom's home and fought with a man, according to court records. Balkcom called police from a neighbor's house.

Officers noticed a large amount of blood on the floor, and that a table lamp was broken. The victim fled from the house and wasn't seen again.

Lockett pleaded guilty to family violence criminal trespassing in that case.

He served 60 days in jail and then returned to probation.
In two separate instances in Roanoke last year, Lockett was pulled over for speeding and for driving on a learner's permit without a licensed driver. Police also cited him both times for not having a child restraint in the car, according to court records.

Lockett is being held at the Roanoke City Jail without bond.

Meanwhile, the search for Aveion's body continued Wednesday with more than 60 volunteers.

Search teams, including those on horses and with cadaver dogs, were sent out to the banks of the Roanoke River, wooded areas near the boy's Jamestown Place duplex and to an industrial area.

Volunteer Jeanne Kauffmann and her black Labrador retriever, Lakota, searched the muddy and sometimes steep banks of the river with a Roanoke police detective and a police cadet.

They looked under tarps, and through trash that littered the area. Sometimes Kauffmann directed Lakota to sniff out spots that looked suspicious, or go through tractor trailers parked in an industrial area.

At one point, she pointed Lakota to a dirty pillow, but the dog didn't signal that anything was there.

Detective Rich Cooper, who was searching with Kauffmann, said the ongoing investigation has been frustrating for police.

"We just want to find him," he said.

Freezing rain is expected today, which could hamper search efforts.

Davis said police would continue following up on leads even in inclement weather.
"Until we find him, we're going to continue working this case as much as we possibly can," Davis said.

He believes that there are people who have information, or who could get information, that could lead police to Aveion's body. He urged them to call police at 853-2212.

News researcher Belinda Harris and reporter Amy Leigh Womack of The (Macon, Ga.) Telegraph contributed to this report.

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/01/20/crimesider/entry6120456.shtml


(http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/images/2010/01/20/image6120486x.jpg)
(Family Photo/The Roanoke Times)

http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/233798
Warrant: Aveion Lewis case investigated as homicide; toddler had been in foster care
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Police are investigating the death of Roanoke toddler Aveion Lewis as a homicide, and he was living in an unstable home life that at one time prompted authorities to put the child in foster care, according to details in a search warrant unsealed today.
 
The toddler has been missing since Jan. 14, when his mother and stepfather reported to police that he'd been abducted. Police say they have since learned from the child's stepfather, Brandon Lockett, that Aveion died before police were contacted. His body had not been found as of Thursday afternoon.

On Wednesday, police charged Lockett with felony child neglect, improper disposal of a human body, and obstruction of justice. Aveion's mother, Morgan Lockett, has been interviewed by police but has not been charged.
 
The search warrant, filed Wednesday in Roanoke City Circuit Court, says that Aveion was born with a medical problem that required surgery to remove part of his intestines. As a result, he had a strict feeding schedule and needed medication.

When he was 14 months old, he weighed less than nine pounds, and authorities found that his parents were not following the medical instructions for his care, the search warrant says.
 
Aveion was removed from his home for 16 months, in which time he doubled his weight, according to the document.
 
He returned to his parent's home on King Charles Avenue in Southeast Roanoke in September, according the search warrant.
At that time, the Locketts were having financial problems and they were taking care of three other children, according to the document.
 
The police's investigation has indicated that Aveion recently suffered burns on both legs from a home heater, the search warrant says.  The toddler did not receive medical treatment because of his prior history with the Department of Social Services. The search warrant says Aveion was described as having a "high threshold for pain."
 
Police searched the Lockett's home and took a number of items including cell phones, a handwritten letter, children's clothing, a pillow, a mattress, a green leafy substance, baby bottles, and prescription medicine.
 
The FBI is helping the police investigate Aveion's death, and it provided statistics about cases of false allegations to cover up the death of a child. Those statistics, which were included in the search warrant, are as follows:
 
-- In 44 percent of the cases, there is a history of previous physical abuse or maltreatment
-- In 53 percent of the cases, there was a prolonged period of separation from the parents
-- In 41 percent of the cases the victim had been described by the offender as being "difficult" or "different"
-- In 92 percent of the cases, the families have other domestic problems including financial, drug related, multiple toddlers and family violence issues

Why doesn't he just say what he did to the child? He already has confessed everything else. At least allow the child the dignity of a proper funeral. So sad, he was just precious.

http://www2.wsls.com/sls/news/local/article/chip_devastated_by_aveion_lewis_scenario/76378/
(Video available in article)

CHIP devastated by Aveion Lewis scenario
By Meagan Farley  | WSLS10 Anchor
Published: January 21, 2010
Updated: January 21, 2010
“We did find him to be considerably underweight,“ said Robin Haldiman, CEO of Child Health Investment Partnership.

CHIP enrolled Aveion and case managed him while he was in foster care.  “When he was placed in foster care he grew and thrived and became developmentally on target.“  Several months ago, Aveion was sent back to live with his biological mother and stepfather, Brandon Lockett.  Lockett is now charged with neglect, improper disposal of a body and obstruction of justice.

“We are all so devastated that this happened and that he ended up back in the home.“

Haldiman says the situation Aveion found himself in isn’t that rare.  “The staff deals with these awful situations more than we would like to.“

“We have to advocate for tougher laws against child abuse and tougher laws to terminate parental rights.“

http://www.wset.com/news/stories/0110/698414.html
(Video Available in Article)

Warrants Reveal Toddler Had Troubling Home Life
Roanoke, VA - Roanoke police have suspended their search for the body of little Aveion Lewis, because of the weather. They'll pick up the search again when things clear.

Meanwhile, there is new information about Aveion's disappearance and his stepfather. Brandon Lockett is now in jail, charged in connection with the boy's death. One of the more startling accusations is that Brandon Lockett may have been setting his alibi in motion at least a day before Avieon was reported missing.

Lockett's neighbor, James Tyree claims Lockett was already setting the stage for Avieon's abduction a full day before the boy went missing.
"He tried to say he had an anonymous call. He showed me his phone. Yes it had an anonymous call... but I thought that was suspicious," Tyree said.

Suspicious because, as Tyree describes it, Lockett claimed the call came from the would-be kidnapper.

"I think he was trying to set the whole situation up himself."

According to courts documents, police searched the Lockett's home looking for several items including guns, bullets, tools used to dismember or maim, as well as books or other media related to child kidnappings.

The documents also describe the 16-months Aveion spent in foster care. He was taken from the Locketts for not complying with medical instructions to keep Aveion healthy. He had a section of his intestine removed and needed a special diet. At 14 months, Aveion weighed less than 9-pounds and was placed in foster care due to a "failure to thrive." Within 45-days in foster care his weight doubled, but a prolonged court battle was won by the Lockett's and Aveion was returned last September.

The records say that since then, Aveion suffered from blistering burns on both legs caused by a home heater. The Lockett's claimed that medical attention was never sought out because Aveion had "a high threshold for pain" and because the family had previous run-ins with the Department of Social Services.

Other information related to Lockett's past also came out in the documents, including the fact that Lockett was under the influence of drugs the night Aveion was reported missing. Those documents also list this investigation as a murder investigation and not one of a missing person.

Lockett was also convicted of two charges in 2006 and 2007 in Georgia; both involving "family violence."

2-Year-Old Aveion Malik Lewis Dead; Kidnapping a Hoax

Brandon Lockett Admitted to Authorities that Aveion Lewis was Dead Before 911 Call
The stepfather of missing 2-year-old Aveion Malik Lewis has now admitted that the child was dead before placing a call to 911 and spinning a kidnapping hoax to elude capture, according to Roanoke (Virginia) Police. Brandon Lockett, 24, told authorities on January 14 that
2-Year-Old Aveion Malik Lewis Dead; Kidnapping a Hoax
Date: January 23, 2010
Roanoke, VA
United States of Americathree black men broke into the duplex where he and his family live, knocked him unconscious, bound and gagged his 4-year-old daughter, and kidnapped 2-year-old Aveion Lewis. But on Tuesday, January 19, according to the Roanoke Times,after being brought in for questioning, Brandon Lockett told police that the child was dead before police were summoned.

Investigators are still searching for the child's body. Police have not released any details as to how the child may have died. Aveion Lewis' mother, Morgan Lockett, was also questioned. She has not been charged. Brandon Lockett was charged with child neglect, improper disposal of a human body and obstruction of justice.

Police continue the search around the home where little Aveion Lewis was last seen alive. The Roanoke Times reported that a search warrant was issued Thursday to search the home and surrounding grounds. Police continue to search along the Roanoke river as well. The search warrant labeled Aveion Malik Lewis' death a homicide but did not state how police believe the child died.

Aveion had only been back in his mother's care since September. The child had a medical problem that required half his intestines to be removed when he was born and had to be kept to a strict, controlled diet. Social Services found the child to be frightening underweight at 14 months of age and placed him with foster parents. For 16 months, Aveion Lewis had been placed in foster care and had thrived, doubling his weight.

Morgan Lockett's brother, Chris Ward, does not believe that the child just died. "I believe that he could have done something to him," he said after finding out that his nephew was dead.

mtnmom- Thank you for sharing the news article about Aveion.  You didn't include a link, so I did some research and I think this is the one that goes with the article:  http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2622781  /2yearold_aveion_malik_lewis_dead_kidnapping.html?cat=8

http://www2.wsls.com/sls/news/local/article/search_for_body_of_aveion_lewis_suspended_saturday_night/76722/
Home > News> Local
Search for body of Aveion Lewis suspended Saturday night
 By Chris Whitley  | Digital Journalist
Published: January 23, 2010
Updated: January 23, 2010
» 4 Comments | Post a Comment

People from all over the Commonwealth, and some from as far away as Pennsylvania, are now helping in the search for the body of Aveion Lewis.  Friday, we told you a search warrant showed police are now investigating the death of the 2 year-old as a murder.  The search for his body continued Friday along the banks of the Roanoke River.
As we’ve reported, Aveion’s step-father, Brandon Lockett, is charged with felony child neglect and improper disposal of a body.
Saturday, the search for Aveion’s body reached day four.  More than 80 people spread out to look for the boy. “We have everything from search dogs, to mounted patrols.  We may even use aviation assets.  We also have swift water rescue teams out as well”, said Sgt. Chris Bolling.
The search teams are working a 1.5 mile area around the home where Aveion was last seen alive.  That search could be interrupted by bad weather moving in to the area. “Supposed to have torrential rains tonight and tomorrow.  The search will be suspended after this evening.  Then it will be re-evaluated as to what and how we will continue it”, said Bolling.
Anyone with information about Aveion Lewis is asked to call Roanoke Police at 853-2212.

Video at link

Police search Roanoke Co. landfill for missing toddler Aveion Lewis Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Officials are searching the Smith Gap landfill in Roanoke County for the body of missing Roanoke toddler Aveion Lewis.
 
Investigators earlier identified trash in the landfill that came from Roanoke and isolated it for further probing, according to Roanoke police spokeswoman Aisha Johnson. They had to call off their efforts due to poor weather.
 
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children assisted with teams who are familiar with landfill searches, Johnson said.
 
Search teams continue to scour areas around the boy's King Charles Avenue home, including an industrial park and the Roanoke River.
 
Johnson noted that today would have been the toddler's third birthday.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/234361

Press conference in 10 minutes according to HLN.  May have found Aveion's body.

Roanoke police to hold 5 p.m. news conference about missing toddler Aveion Lewis

Roanoke police have scheduled a 5 p.m. press conference today about their investigation into the death of Aveion Lewis.

Authorities spent Tuesday, which would have been the toddler's third birthday, searching for any sign of Lewis at a Roanoke County landfill.

Brandon Lockett, Aveion's stepfather, and Morgan Lockett, his mother, reported to police Jan. 14 that Aveion was abducted. Police said Brandon Lockett later told them that the toddler had died.
Brandon Lockett was charged with felony child neglect, improper disposal of a human body and obstruction of justice. Police haven't said how Aveion might have died, but a search warrant said they are investigating the toddler's death as a homicide.

http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/234529

Thx NR!

4:48 p.m.

Court records show Brandon Lockett, the step-father of Aveion Lewis, has been charged with murder.

The charge’s filing date is listed at January 25th (Monday), and the offense date is listed as January 14, 2010.

———

3:41 p.m.

Roanoke City Police have called a news conference for 5 p.m. to discuss the Aveion Lewis case.

The police department is not allowing reporters to show the news conference live.  WSLS will have a crew inside to bring you what is said.

Officers have been searching Smith Gap Landfill again today, following Tuesday’s restart of the search in Roanoke County.  The landfill had identified trash brought in from Roanoke when Aveion Lewis disappeared, and had set it aside for investigators to search.

http://www2.wsls.com/sls/news/local/article/roanoke_police_to_discuss_aveion_lewis_case_at_5_p.m/77382/

Aveion was wearing sponge bob pj's when he went missing and would have turned 3 yesterday per HLN

http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=11889797

January 27, 2010
Body of small child found at Smith Gap landfill in Roanoke County

UPDATED: Wednesday @ 5 p.m.

Police have found the body of a small child at the Smith Gap landfill in Roanoke County.  The body was found in trash from that neighborhood.

The body was sent to the medical examiner for a positive ID.                 

Police had been searching that landfill for the body of Aveion Lewis who disappeared on January 14.  At the time, his stepfather, Brandon Lockett, allegedly made up a story about the toddler being kidnapped.  Police later discovered there was never a kidnapping and they believe Aveion was dead before 911 was called.

According to court documents, Lockett has been charged with murder.  Last week, police charged Lockett with felony child neglect, improper disposal of a human body and obstruction of justice.

The murder charge will be presented to a grand jury on February 1st.   

***************

The Roanoke Police Department will hold a news conference at 5 p.m. involving the investigation into the death of Aveion Lewis.

Stay with News7 and WDBJ7.com for the latest.

5:05 p.m.

Roanoke Police say a small child’s body found by searchers in trash, but it has not been officially ruled as Aveion Lewis. 


http://www2.wsls.com/sls/news/local/article/roanoke_police_to_discuss_aveion_lewis_case_at_5_p.m/77382/

Now Little Aveion can be buried properly and rest in peace.   ::MonkeyAngel::

And Lockett can rot in prison ::MonkeyJustice::

Aveion is beside many other angels and safe with God now.   ::MonkeyAngel::

  ::MonkeyAngel:: RIP little Aveion

 ::MonkeyAngel::

May there be justice for this sweet angel and why is his mother not charged yet?

 ::MonkeyAngel:: RIP Aveion  ::MonkeyAngel::

Roanoke police to hold 5 p.m. news conference about missing toddler Aveion Lewis

The Roanoke Times

Roanoke police have scheduled a 5 p.m. press conference today about their investigation into the death of Aveion Lewis.

Authorities spent Tuesday, which would have been the toddler's third birthday, searching for any sign of Lewis at a Roanoke County landfill.

Brandon Lockett, Aveion's stepfather, and Morgan Lockett, his mother, reported to police Jan. 14 that Aveion was abducted. Police said Brandon Lockett later told them that the toddler had died.

Brandon Lockett was charged with felony child neglect, improper disposal of a human body and obstruction of justice. Police haven't said how Aveion might have died, but a search warrant said they are investigating the toddler's death as a homicide.

http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/234529

Awww this poor little guy, he was so adorable. R.I.P. sweet boy.  Your safe now ::MonkeyAngel::

He is in God's hands now.  RIP  ::MonkeyAngel::

Poor Sweet Baby. RIP lil Angel


Why did they ever get that baby back? The articles say they were having financial problems and three other children in the home. Why did they give him back? I pray the other children have been taken out of that home, 

God rest your sweet little soul......  ::MonkeyAngel::

I hope the other children have been removed from the home.  And I too am wondering about Aveion's mother.

Rest in Peace, Aveion.   ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=11889797

January 28, 2010
UPDATED: A toddler's body found; Family of Aveion Lewis speaks out


UPDATED WEDNESDAY 11:30 PM

News7 sits down with the family of Aveion Lewis

News7 talked to Aveion Lewis' family Wednesday after police announced that the body of a small child found in a Roanoke County landfill may be that of the toddler.

Holding back tears, Chris Ward reacts to the news his nephew's body may have found.

"He was a fighter, he had a big heart," says Aveion's uncle Chris Ward.

As they wait for official word from the medical examiner's office, Aveion's family is trying to come to terms with the fact his remains may have been found in of all places a landfill.

"He didn't deserve, no kid deserve that. I couldn't even fathom another human being doing that to a child," says Ward.

The boy's step father Brandon Lockett so far has been charged with improper disposal of a body, felony child neglect, and obstruction of justice.

Initially he told police and News 7 the two year old was kidnapped from his home by three intruders nearly two weeks ago.

Police say Lockett admitted last week the boy was dead.

Online court records indicate a murder case will be presented to a grand jury on Monday and the grand jury could charge Lockett with murder.

"Personally, I hope they let him go. I hope they let him walk the streets... that's what I want. I just rather see him out here and get street justice than jail justice," says Ward.

Police declined to say whether Aveion's mother will eventually face charges.

Morgan's brother told News 7 that's the farthest thing from the family's mind right now.

Instead, they're concentrating on making funeral plans. It looks like it will be held Sunday at 5 p.m. at St. Matthew's Word of Life Church.

Heart, I have a picture of my little guy (now almost 8 ) at the same age in the exact same pose as Aveion.  Thank you for posting that.  Never in one million years will I understand people. 

Sing with the angels Aveion, you are in a much better place. ::MonkeyAngel::

Warrant says child's body wrapped, taped
Police seized duct tape and other items Friday from the home of Aveion Lewis' stepfather.

When the body thought to be that of 2-year-old Aveion Lewis was found in a regional landfill, he was wrapped in packaging and tape, a search warrant filed in Roanoke Circuit Court on Friday said.

Remains that are believed to be Aveion's were found Wednesday in the Smith Gap Regional Landfill in Roanoke County. Authorities had begun searching there after determining that garbage containers from around Aveion's home in the 2100 block of King Charles Avenue Southeast were emptied Jan. 14 and their contents taken to the city's trash transfer station, then moved by rail to Smith Gap.

In a search warrant filed Friday, police said searchers found a child's body "inside of packaging that was bound with an adhesive binding."

The warrant said police planned to search the home Aveion shared with Lockett and Aveion's mother, Morgan Lockett. Morgan Lockett has not been charged in the case.

Specifically, police were seeking "all packaging items. All identification items, receipts, bar codes, and applications for membership. Any adhesive tape. All documents pertaining to Aveion Lewis."

The search warrant return, filed later Friday afternoon, said police collected 17 pieces of duct tape, plastic grocery store shopping bags and a mop. Officers took swabs from a training toilet, toddler bed and stains under the toddler bed and on a bedroom closet door. And officers seized a variety of paperwork, including immunization records on Aveion's siblings, and a prescription bottle for Aveion's medication that had been filled in 2008.

Though identification of the body found at the landfill has not been confirmed, Aveion's relatives scheduled a memorial service for Sunday at St. Matthew Word of Life Fellowship Church in Northwest Roanoke. The service is planned for 5 p.m. at 1422 Abbott St. N.W.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/234833

February 2, 2010
Police investigate possibility of another suspect in Lewis death

http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=11921614
A twist in the Aveione Lewis murder investigation.

Police are looking at a possible second suspect in the toddler's death.

That's according to a search warrant filed in circuit court.

Investigators want to get into Brandon Lockett's e-mail account.

Lockett was Aveion Lewis' stepfather and has been charged in connection with this case.

Brandon Lockett talked to News7 the day after he claimed three men kidnapped Aveion.

In this search warrant, police say Lockett used his computer and email account before, on and after January 14th when the two-year-old was reported missing.

Investigators want access to his YAHOO account because Lockett refers to this mystery person and cell phone number getting Aveion's dead body for disposal.

Last Wednesday, searchers found the body of a child in a Roanoke County landfill.

The child's body still has not been officially identified.

A search warrant from last week shows the baby's body was found wrapped in plastic and tape.

In previous searches police seized computers, cell phones, plastic bags and duct tape.

While police aren't identifying the baby at this point, according to the search warrant the body found was that of an African-American baby.

Body found in Roanoke Co. landfill confirmed as toddler Aveion Lewis

The medical examiner's office confirmed this afternoon that the body found Jan. 27 at Smith Gap Landfill in Roanoke County was that of missing toddler Aveion Malik Lewis, police said.
 
The Roanoke Police Department charged Brandon Lockett, the toddler's stepfather, with felony child neglect, improper disposal of a body and obstruction of justice after Lewis went missing in mid-January.
 
Police announced this week that they were investigating an e-mail account linked to Locket to confirm whether anyone else may have been involved in the toddler's death.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/235304

 ::MonkeyAngel::

I hope everyone and anyone involved in any way  ::MonkeyHang:: 's for the murder of this precious baby boy  ::MonkeyMad::

Rest in peace, Aveion.   ::MonkeyAngel::

I hope with the recovery of little Aveion's body, there will be evidence of how he died and I hope there will be justice for Aveion.  This not only includes the person or person's that directly harmed Aveion, but those that turned a blind eye to helping this child during his time of need.  I believe those that put Aveion back in this home after he had been in foster care need a serious looking into.  Did Aveion's mother have any idea of what went on?  How about the rest of the relatives?  I find it difficult to believe the step-father did the cover up all by himself.  JMHO

Aveion Lewis' mom, stepfather indicted on murder charges
Slain tot's mother surrenders to police
Monday, March 01, 2010
The mother and stepfather of slain toddler Aveion Lewis were indicted today on charges of murder and child abuse, according to court records.

Brandon Lockett, 24, and Morgan Lockett, 23, also were charged in the grand jury's indictment with child neglect and cruelty in the death of Aveion, 2. The child's bound body was found wrapped in a bag in Smith Gap Landfill in western Roanoke County nearly two weeks after the couple reported the boy missing on Jan. 14.

The indictment is the first public charge that Morgan Lockett,  Aveion's mother, was involved in the child's death. She surrendered to Roanoke police this afternoon, after the grand jury handed up the indictment.

Police launched an intense search for the child after the abduction report and, after they said Brandon Lockett's shifting stories led them to believe Aveion was dead, declared the abduction story a hoax. Brandon Lockett was charged earlier with felony child neglect, improper disposal of a body and obstruction of justice. He is being held at the Roanoke City Jail.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/238331

February 10, 2011 Thursday
Metro Edition 
 
Year later, cause of Aveion Lewis' death unclear
 
Aveion Lewis, the 2-year-old boy found dead last year in a landfill, clearly had been neglected and abused, Roanoke prosecutors say. The cause of his death, however, is not so clear. At a hearing Wednesday in Roanoke Circuit Court, prosecutors conceded they don't have medical proof of exactly what kind of injury killed the boy. But they don't need that to press murder charges against his stepfather, Brandon Lockett, and his mother, Morgan Lockett, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Sandra Workman said.

"The cause of death ultimately is for the jury to decide," Workman said. "We don't intend to invade the province of the jury by saying that Aveion died of X." Part of the uncertainty is caused by the fact that half of the toddler's head was missing when his decomposing body was found Jan. 27, 2010, in the Roanoke County landfill, two weeks after he was reported missing from his Southeast Roanoke home. Forensic details about the case emerged Wednesday after Brandon Lockett's attorney, assistant public defender Rachel Jackson, asked Judge Clifford Weckstein to limit or prohibit the testimony of Dr. Robin Foster, an expert witness for the commonwealth. In a review of what her trial testimony would be, Foster talked about possible contributing factors, such as neglect and malnutrition, but could not cite an exact cause of death. "In this particular case, we don't have a factual determination that can be made, within reasonable medical certainty, as to what the physical cause of death was," Jackson said. 
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The Roanoke Times (Virginia)
 
May 3, 2011 Tuesday
Metro Edition 
 
Virginia; Pg. A8 
 
595 words
 
 
Warrant tells more about toddler's death
 
By Mike Gangloff mike.gangloff@roanoke.com 981-3336
 

Investigators looking into the death of toddler Aveion Lewis last year revealed Monday that someone besides family members was present when the little boy died. A search warrant filed in Roanoke Circuit Court added a new angle to the public presentation of a case that had revolved around the neglect and abuse 2-year-old Aveion allegedly received from his stepfather, Brandon Lockett, 25, and mother, Morgan Lockett, 24. The Locketts are charged with first-degree murder, child neglect and cruelty. Brandon Lockett is scheduled for trial in September, Morgan Lockett in October. According to the warrant, Dorniki Renee Turner, 33, called police on Jan. 18, 2010. snipped
 She was interviewed a third time in November, the warrant said. "Dorniki Turner has confirmed she was in the location of the crime on and or around the time of the incident," the warrant said. Turner is not charged in the case. Calls to phone numbers listed for Turner were not answered Monday. Roanoke police spokeswoman Aisha Johnson said the department would have no comment on Turner or the warrant because the investigation is continuing. snipped
Turner, known as "D," told police about "certain and specific places to search and what evidence to look for," the warrant said. She knew details of the case that were not public knowledge, the warrant said. At some point during the search for Aveion, investigators looked at how trash was collected around the Locketts' home in the Jamestown Place development in Southeast Roanoke. They began searching the Smith Gap Regional Landfill in Western Roanoke County. The new warrant said a witness, who police referred to in the warrant as V1 because of the person's age, said someone called "D" was involved in the events of Jan. 14, 2010. The warrant seeks to allow investigators to collect DNA samples from Turner. Conditions in the Lockett household, where there were four other children besides Aveion, all younger than 4, have emerged piecemeal in court hearings and search warrants. Investigators have said that in the days and weeks before Aveion died, he suffered a broken arm and burns to his legs that were left untreated. Prosecutors and police have pointed to the boy's very low weight as a sign of poor treatment. He weighed 9 pounds when he was 14 months old, and the Department of Social Services placed him with foster parents. In their care, Aveion's weight rose to a normal 30 pounds. He shed much of that after returning to the Locketts' home on March 31, 2009, prosecutors said. The actual cause of Aveion's death has not been determined because of the decomposition of his body before he was located, prosecutors have said. In a jail interview earlier this year, Brandon Lockett maintained his and his wife's innocence and said his stepson's low weight resulted from a health condition. Morgan Lockett's attorneys have said at hearings that she was so dominated by an abusive husband that she was not capable of independently forming the intent to kill required for a first-degree murder conviction. 
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