Grandma charged with murder of grandson, 5, stabbed to death at his home

06 January 2023 , 13:13

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David-Mario Lazar, known to his family and friends as Mario, was found with severe injuries on Poplar Road, in Earlsdon, Coventry (Image: West Midlands Police / SWNS)

A grandmother has been charged with murdering her five-year-old grandson in her care who was found stabbed to death at his home

David-Mario Lazar, known to his family and friends as Mario, was found with severe injuries and died from a stab wound at his home in Coventry last January.

Despite the efforts of emergency services he was confirmed dead at the scene on Poplar Road, in the Earlsdon area of the West Midlands city.

His grandmother Elena Anghel, 50, of Coventry, appeared at Leamington Justice Centre today and remains in a secure mental health facility pending her trial, which is set for June this year. She is next due in court on March 6 ahead of her trial.

Elena Anghel, who was caring for Mario at the time, was arrested on suspicion of murder and sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

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His family have been told and police said "our thoughts remain with them."

Dorinel Lazarica posted a touching message on Facebook alongside a picture of his son David-Mario giving the camera a thumbs up as he poses in a park.

David-Mario Lazar with his parents Cristina and Dorinel (PA)

The picture was posted alongside a promise to his son, he said: "We will never forget you."

The heartbreaking tribute came after Dorinel and his partner Cristina said in a statement: “Our son, he was the most beautiful child in the world. He was a very happy boy.

"He was always smiling from when he woke up to when he went to sleep. He had so much energy. He loved to dance and sing.

"He is all of our hearts, all our love and is everything to both of us.”

Flowers and tributes including toys left in memory of David-Mario Lazar (Reach)

A Coventry Police spokesperson said: "A woman has been charged with murder after a five-year-old boy in her care died in Coventry last January.

"Elena Anghel, aged 50 from Coventry, appeared at Leamington Justice Centre today (5 Jan) and remains in a secure mental health facility pending her trial, which is set for June this year.

"David-Mario Lazar died from a stab wound at his home in Poplar Road, Earlsdon on 25 January 2022.

"His family have been informed of this latest development and our thoughts remain with them."

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