A Centennial, Colorado family and community are mourning after five-year-old Elias Reliford was killed while napping at home, allegedly by his 11-year-old brother, on Tuesday (March 10). The older brother has been arrested and now faces a charge of first-degree murder, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to the Reliford family’s home on South Jericho Way on March 10, where they found Elias dead and began an investigation. Authorities identified the suspect as Elias’ 11-year-old brother, who was taken into custody and charged as an aggravated juvenile offender. Because both children are minors, officials have withheld specific details about the incident and the cause of death. The case has left the neighborhood and school community in shock, with Timberline Elementary School offering mental health support to students and staff impacted by the tragedy.
Family members described Elias as an outgoing and joyful kindergartner who loved being outdoors, riding his scooter, and playing pranks. His great-aunt, Dawn Myles, said the two brothers were inseparable: “If you saw one brother, you saw the other one.” She told The Denver Gazette that the family is devastated, with parents unable to speak publicly as they grieve and struggle with displacement after leaving their home.
Elias’ funeral will be held in Shreveport, Louisiana, where family and friends will remember his life. His 12-year-old brother is now staying with relatives in Louisiana.
The 11-year-old remains in custody at the Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center. His advisement hearing is set for Monday (April 6). Prosecutors explained to KTBS that, under Colorado law, children under 12 cannot be tried as adults for first-degree murder, so the case will remain in juvenile court. If convicted, the maximum sentence would be three to seven years in the Youthful Offender System.
Authorities and family members say they hope for healing as the legal process continues and more information comes to light in the coming weeks.
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