A chilling security video showing a man allegedly carrying a body before putting it in a dumpster, has emerged as the same man pleaded not guilty to killing a child. In July 2025, the body of a young child was found in the dumpster in Panorama City, California. At the time of the discovery, details were still emerging about how the child died. A short time later, Brycson Malik Gaddis, the ex-boyfriend of the child’s mother, was charged with murdering and assaulting the child before dumping the body.
On August 18, 2025, 20-year-old Gaddis pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and assault on a child causing death, KABC reported. Gaddis is accused of killing 5-year-old Elyjiah Hearn. Gaddis’ bail has been set at $2 million. The news outlet recently obtained video surveillance footage from the parking lot where the young boy’s body was found.
In the video, a man and woman reportedly can be seen on the street. One person is seen carrying something wrapped in a blanket. “You can see a head and small feet dangling,” local business owner Yousef Rabadi told KABC. A local security guard sent the disturbing video to him.
What is seen in the video is supported by evidence collected from a Los Angeles Police Department search of Gaddis’ home.
The search warrant reads “the victim was wrapped in a multi-colored blanket, in which he was later found deceased. Bryscon was accompanied by Kemia Hearn,” the boy’s mother. According to the warrant, blood was found in the apartment’s bathroom sink, drain, and backsplash, as well as inside a tote bag on the bed, KABC reported.
Kemia Hearn was questioned by police but ultimately released. Gaddis allegedly beat Elyjiah to death, it was reported in July. According to law enforcement, the boy had “massive injuries” that included a broken jaw, fractured ribs, and a lacerated liver. At that time, an official cause of death had not been revealed.
Troy Hearn Sr., the boy’s grandfather, claimed Gaddis was stalking Kemia Hearn. He allegedly kidnapped the woman and her son, forcing them into an apartment near where Elyjiah’s body was found.
“It’s very heartbreaking for him to do that to my 5-year-old grandson,” Troy Hearn told the Los Angeles Times, per KABC. “I’m overwhelmed and so angry that I can’t even explain it. This guy is a bad guy and it’s lucky that the police has him.”
The family created a GoFundMe account to help with funeral costs, and it’s nearly reached its goal. The boy “was a joyful, fun-loving child who brought light into every room he entered,” the description reads.
“His laughter, energy, and innocent spirit touched everyone who knew him. His life was cut short far too soon, and our hearts are broken beyond words.”
If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child) or go to Childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7.
