Ernest Lamar Love, a 41-year-old barber from Placentia, California, is currently facing serious charges including murder, torture, and child abuse. These charges stem from the tragic death of a six-year-old boy, Chance Crawford, who was under Love’s care. The boy’s mother, a nurse’s assistant at St. Joseph’s Hospital, had entrusted Love with her son while she worked an overnight shift.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office reports that the incident occurred on August 29. The boy’s mother had dropped him off at Love’s barbershop around 6:30 p.m. Seven hours later, Love rushed a severely beaten and barely breathing Chance to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
Upon examination, medical professionals discovered that a significant portion of Chance’s flesh was missing from his buttocks, resulting in raw, gaping wounds. The boy also had a subdural hematoma, extreme brain swelling, and other injuries consistent with violent shaking. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, Chance succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.
Video surveillance footage from the barbershop captured the alleged assault. The footage showed Love entering the barbershop with a large piece of raw lumber, followed by a reluctant Chance. Prosecutors allege that Love beat the first grader with the piece of lumber, poured hydrogen peroxide on the open wounds, and then forced the boy to do physical exercises.
Instead of immediately calling 911 after the boy collapsed, Love chose to drive Chance to the hospital emergency room. If convicted, Love could face a prison sentence ranging from 32 years to life. He is currently being held at the Orange County Jail without bond.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has expressed his commitment to ensuring justice for Chance. He described the horrific ordeal the young boy had to endure at the hands of someone who was supposed to protect him.
In memory of Chance, friends and family have started two GoFundMe campaigns. They remember him as a “sweet little boy, with a beautiful smile” who loved watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Sesame Street. They also shared that Chance was a gifted artist who loved to draw pictures of his favorite character, Mickey Mouse. Love has pleaded not guilty to the charges.