Boy, 9, is ‘murdered’ after beating cancer – as father is arrested for separate assault on his son last year

A NINE-year-old boy who beat cancer has been murdered, and his father has been arrested for a separate assault on his son last year, police say.

Azuree Charles was found dead on May 4 in a wooded area behind his Pennsylvania residence, according to authorities.

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The office of Nicole Ziccarelli confirmed to The US Sun that officials are investigating his death as a homicide.

According to a police , Ziccarelli said over 30 officers canvassed the East Ken Manor neighborhood where the body was discovered Wednesday after being reported missing.

Ziccarelli noted "valuable information was obtained to aid us in our investigation and we thank the community for their cooperation."

The reports the DA confirmed the boy “did die at the hands of another person.”

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The reported that the boy was "beaten to death" and dumped outside under a chair, with cops arresting his dad over an assault on the youngster last year.  

No arrests have been made in the case, but says a "person of interest" has been identified.

Late Thursday evening, Ziccarelli confirmed to us Azuree’s father, Jean Charles, was picked up on Wednesday by police and arraigned for charges unrelated to the case.

Jean Charles was arrested on charges of endangering the welfare of children and simple assault in November of last year.

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According to , a criminal complaint received by cops on November 24, claimed a juvenile had been punched in the eye by his father, identified as Jean Charles.

The site goes on to say that the complaint does not name Azuree as the victim, but does identify the victim as a 9-year-old boy.

Family and neighbors have said Azuree has only younger sisters.

Neighbors told KDKA Charles had recently beat pediatric cancer and was enjoying a second chance at life. 

The New Kensington-Arnold School District superintendent sent a to families saying in part, "it is with a heavy heart that I share news that one of our elementary students passed away suddenly sometime this morning before school."

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Investigators have not named any suspects and have not confirmed whether or not they are looking at Jean Charles as a person of interest in this case.

Ziccarelli is asking the community for help. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 724-339-7533.  

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