In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community, a 6-year-old boy from Orange County, Calif., died after allegedly being brutally abused by his babysitter. Ernest Lamar Love, 41, was charged with murder, torture, and child abuse following the death of Chance Crawford on September 3. The young boy was taken to the hospital after suffering severe injuries while under Love’s care. The tragedy unfolded after Crawford, who had just started first grade, was left at Love’s barbershop by his mother, who was working a night shift at a local hospital.
According to authorities, the abuse began when Chance had a minor accident at a local park, where he wet himself. In response, police say Love took the child back to his barbershop and subjected him to horrific violence. Surveillance footage shows Love walking into the shop with a piece of wood, which he allegedly used to beat the boy. Medical professionals at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) found extensive injuries, including severe brain swelling, raw wounds, and signs of violent shaking. Instead of calling 911, Love drove the critically injured child to the hospital himself.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer condemned the abuse in a statement, expressing outrage at the betrayal of trust. “Words do not exist to describe the absolute terror this little boy was forced to endure,” Spitzer said. Love faces up to 32 years to life in prison if convicted. Chance’s family, devastated by the loss, remembered him as a happy and loving child. His father, Vance Crawford, told local media, “He lived a happy life… I miss him so much. He didn’t deserve that.”
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