Five-Year-Old Colorado Boy Allegedly Killed by 11-Year-Old Sibling During Nap, Family Reports

Authorities are investigating the death of a five-year-old boy in Centennial, Colorado, who was allegedly killed by his 11-year-old brother. The victim has been identified by his family as Elias Reliford.

According to family members, the fatal incident took place on March 10, shortly after the siblings returned home from school and the younger brother had gone down for a nap. The older brother has since been charged with first- degree murder in connection with the death.

Dawn Myles, the children's great-aunt, explained that the older sibling had been tasked with chores while Elias was asleep. She stated that "everything happened during that time that he was asleep." The specific circumstances of how Elias Reliford died have not been disclosed by officials, likely due to the young ages of those involved. The family has also chosen not to comment further on the case as they grieve.

Myles described the event as "the most horrendous act that a human could commit on another human, especially a child." She added that the family never anticipated such an action from the older brother towards Elias.

Before the incident, the two brothers were reportedly inseparable, often playing together and exploring their neighborhood. Elias is remembered by his aunt as an outgoing child who loved being outdoors, particularly with fire trucks and playing pranks. "If you saw one brother, you saw the other one," Myles remarked.

The family has since vacated their home in Centennial and is currently staying in hotels while they arrange for new housing. The eldest sibling, who is 12 years old, is reportedly staying with relatives in Louisiana. "The family is not well," Myles shared, conveying the profound grief and confusion. "There’s anger, there’s questions – there’s two losses here, you know, two brothers."

The 11-year-old suspect is being held at the Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center, as confirmed by the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. Myles expressed a wish for Elias to be remembered as a happy kindergartener, enjoying his scooter rides and his life.