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In November of 2023, officers from the Tucson Police Department responded to a residence in the 900 block of E. Limberlost Dr. for the report of an unresponsive child. Upon arrival, police were notified by members of the Tucson Fire Department that the child, an 11-year-old boy, had been pronounced deceased. Detectives from TPD’s Child Physical Abuse Unit were briefed on the initial findings and condition of the home. In return, detectives responded to the home to continue the investigation.
Investigators learned that the child suffered from numerous medical conditions and was completely dependent on care from his guardians. He lived in the home with his mother, the mother’s boyfriend, and three other siblings. The investigation into the child’s death remained open as an unknown death until additional interviews and reports could be completed.
According to an autopsy report, the child was found with extensive lesions throughout his lower body and ultimately developed sepsis. The sores on the child’s body were attributed to not receiving proper medical attention and neglect by his mother and her boyfriend. Additionally, detectives found extensive fentanyl use was occurring in the home. Detectives established probable cause to arrest the pair and enlisted the help of officers from Operations Division West/Community Response Team (ODW/CRT) to locate the suspects.
On May 1, 2024, ODW/CRT located and arrested the two suspects. They were identified as 29-year-old Charles Jackson McClellan Jr. and 33-year-old Ariel Lea Horn. Both were charged with Child Abuse and 1st Degree Murder. They were transported and booked into the Pima County Jail and are currently being held on a $1,000,000 bond each.
Charles Jackson McClellan Jr.
Ariel Lea Horn
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