Father of New Kensington boy found dead appears for hearing on simple assault charge
Jean Charles, 40, waived his preliminary hearing in New Kensington for allegedly punching his 9-year-old son in the eye in November.
Watch the report from New Kensington district court: Click the video player above.
His son, Azuree, was found dead three weeks ago in the East Ken Manor housing community.
While investigators have not named a suspect, the child's mother continues to struggle with his death.
"I'm still in shock. I am numb. I am angry. I am upset," Luella Elien said.
She also says Azuree was gifted at math, but never had a chance to live a full life.
"He was supposed to grow up and he was supposed to be great. He was supposed to be something special," Elien said.
Charles waived his preliminary hearing and is being held without bail in the Westmoreland County Prison.