DETROIT – Family members of a 3-year-old boy who was found dead last week in a Detroit freezer spoke to Local 4 after the mother was charged in the case.
The toddler, Chase, was found in a basement freezer Friday morning when officers visited the home for a welfare check.
The child’s mother, 31-year-old Azuradee France, is now facing charges of felony murder, first-degree child abuse, torture and concealing the death of an individual.
The situation has created a ripple effect among everyone in the family, and the community, as well.
“My little cousin, he was a funny little boy,” said 11-year-old Zy’air Anderson. “He was the youngest best friend I had.”
“It’s just a little too hard to bear for the family,” said Betty Jenkins, France’s grandmother. “Not only for the family, but the friends, neighbors, everyone who knew her.”
Next-door neighbor Cheryl Hardy says she wishes she could have helped more, being so close.
“I just wish I could have done more. I wish that I could have saved him,” Hardy said. “I just wish.”
A candlelight vigil and balloon release took place Sunday in front of the house where the discovery was made. Pastor Mo did his best to console the toddler’s loved ones.
“This one hurts deep within,” Pastor Mo said. “I don’t even have words to fathom the egregious act toward this child.”
As of now, the investigation continues in search of answers about how the boy died, and how long his body had been in the basement of the house while he was believed to be missing.
“I don’t feel that any kid in this world should be deceased,” Zy’air said.
France is due back in court July 15. Click here to donate to the family.
See what Detroit police said about the case in the video player below.