Suffolk County police arrested a man accused killing a 4-year-old boy found alone inside a Long Island home.
Adonis Reed was found unconscious and alone in an Amityville apartment on Wednesday afternoon. The boy later died at the hospital.
Jonathan Thompson was apprehended Friday night around 7:35 p.m. in Brooklyn. He was arraigned Saturday in Central Islip on murder charges.
It was an emotional day in court as family and friends of the victim attended the hearing.
Some people wept openly. Others were brought to their knees in the parking lot outside the Suffolk County courthouse. Others were clearly angry and outraged about the death of their relative Adonis Reed.
"He didn't deserve it. He didn't deserve to get beat like that," said one family member.
Thompson has pleaded not guilty to second degree murder charges. But prosecutors say the 31-year-old has admitted he punched the 4-year-old boy twice and caused significant internal bleeding; all because the child wouldn't take a nap.
Investigators say Thompson lived in the house where Reed was discovered dead Wednesday.
The boy was found alone inside the home, badly bruised. It's unclear what Thompson's relationship to the boy is, but reports indicate he was dating the child's grandmother who also lived at the house.
Lashon Reed says she is victim's aunt.
"A God given gift and we cherished him. And I tried so long to help him," said Reed.
Adonis Reed had a sister and she is now in the custody of the child welfare department.
Friday, May 17 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 17:09:46 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million dollars for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery. The lump-sum cash value of the jackpot is an estimated $376.9 million.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:40 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:40:30 GMT
A proposal to build a major Long Island casino with video slot machines is part of closed-door negotiations to expand casino gambling in New York.
A proposal to build a major Long Island casino with video slot machines is part of closed-door negotiations to expand casino gambling in New York, according to the head of the Nassau County Off-Track Betting Corp. and a legislative bill.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 3:59 PM EDT2013-05-14 19:59:22 GMT
USDA photo
The tree-killing Asian longhorned beetle has been eradicated from Manhattan and Staten Island, but remains a problem in Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of Long Island.
The tree-killing Asian longhorned beetle has been eradicated from Manhattan and Staten Island, but remains a problem in Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of Long Island, according to state agriculture officials.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to freeze Long Islanders' energy rates for three years as part of a proposal to end operating control of the Long Island Power Authority.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to freeze Long Islanders' energy rates for three years as part of a proposal to end operating control of the Long Island Power Authority.
Monday, May 13 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-05-13 12:03:24 GMT
A non-profit organization based in Rockaways, Long Beach and the Jersey Shore since November, hosted a "Gifts for Groms" event Saturday afternoon. The Gifts for Groms event took place at unsOund Surf
A non-profit organization based in Rockaways, Long Beach and the Jersey Shore since November, hosted a "Gifts for Groms" event Saturday afternoon. The Gifts for Groms event took place at unsOund Surf shop.
Monday, May 13 2013 6:57 AM EDT2013-05-13 10:57:44 GMT
Students and staff at Baldwin High School on Long Island are seeing tighter security at the school on Monday following a threatening message found scrawled inside the building.
Students and staff at Baldwin High School on Long Island are seeing tighter security at the school on Monday following a threatening message found scrawled inside the building. Investigators won't say was said in the message discovered over the weekend.
Sunday, May 12 2013 8:33 PM EDT2013-05-13 00:33:35 GMT
On this Mother's Day, a mom on Long Island knew something was wrong when she saw another mother in need. A mother riding home to Dix Hills after a Mother's Day dinner became an animal rescue worker.
On this Mother's Day, a mom on Long Island knew something was wrong when she saw another mother in need. A mother riding home to Dix Hills after a Mother's Day dinner became an animal rescue worker.
