Click the play button on the video window to the see the storyA second boy who suffered severe head injuries in a violent city park attack this week has died at the hospital, according to police.
Edwin Pellecier, age 10, died Friday afternoon. He was bludgeoned repeatedly with a baseball bat or similar object, according to doctors.
His cousin, 7-year-old Jesse Ramirez, died earlier Friday from similar injuries.
"It's just sad because they didn't do anything," said 11-year-old Ismene Mota who lives nearby. "That could have been anyone. It's hard."
Police said it appeared the boys were beaten at a park Tuesday near 91st Avenue and Buckeye.
Officers talking to neighbors about the attack arrested 36-year-old Joe Sauceda Gallegos on a minor warrant not connected to the beatings. But police said when they took Gallegos into custody, they smelled a strong odor of chlorine, similar to bleach, on his hands.
"They didn't deserve this," said neighbor Adriana Villa Lobos. "Two good little boys. They always played in this park."
Shirts containing red stains, an aluminum baseball bat, and an open bottle of bleach were also found by investigators at his home, according to a police probable cause statement filed in court.
Gallegos was later booked into Maricopa County Jail as a suspect in the beatings on two counts of child abuse and dangerous crimes against children, Police Sgt. Tommy Thompson said.
"Words cannot describe the anger he's caused this community," added Villa Lobos.
Gallegos now also faces two counts of first degree murder.
Bank of America has set up an account to help the families of the two boys.
To donate, visit any Bank of America branch and make a deposit to account # 457013942533 or mention the Edwin Pellecier and Jesse Ramirez fund.
Stepfather of Gallegos talks to ABC15
Police reviewed a tape from a neighbor's surveillance camera that showed the boys walking toward the park Tuesday, followed about two minutes later by a man that appeared to be Gallegos.
After a few more minutes, the man was seen walking back down the street, Thompson said.
Gallegos is being held on $1 million bond, according to police paperwork.
Police believe he acted alone and that the attack was a random act.
"We don't know the motive. He followed these two boys to the park and bludgeoned them," Thompson said.
Police said the boys went to the park to play as usual.
A neighbor found them lying in a sandy area near a playground slide, called for help and provided aid until authorities arrived.
"This was a brutal attack these boys certainly didn't deserve," Thompson said. "These are the kinds of things that make tough-on-the-street cops cry."
Gallegos and another man were cited for misdemeanor assault after getting in a fight at a fast food restaurant in early October, Thompson said. Gallegos didn't show up for court and a warrant was issued.
Police had at least two other contacts with Gallegos where he was referred for mental health treatment.
The court paperwork indicates an uncle of Gallegos told police the suspect had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
