LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Family and friends held a vigil Sunday to remember a 5-year-old who police say was killed by his father.
Family members said they held the vigil to remember Elious Rayne's bright light he brought to so many people in his life.
"Every time I got to see him, he was just so excited, he was always smiling, always, he was such a good little kid, and he was so sweet," Elious' grandmother, Toni Bindner, said.
On Tuesday, Sept. 2, police were called to a home just after 3 p.m. in the Park Duvalle neighborhood on a report of a child who "sustained traumatic injuries due to a fall," Louisville police spokesperson Dwight Mitchell said. EMS found the Elious unconscious, and Mitchell said he died Wednesday.
LMPD arrested his father, 24-year-old Laron Gardner Jr., who was alone with Elious and his 4-year-old sister Echo.
According to the arrest citation, Gardner kicked, slammed and bit Elious before pushing him down the stairs. Elious' sister, Echo, told police Gardner also kicked her in the chest.
Laron Gardner Jr., 24, is charged with murder (domestic violence), criminal abuse of a child 12 or under and fourth-degree assault (child abuse). He appeared in court on Sept. 6, 2025. (WDRB photo)
"How you could hurt a baby so sweet as him, I don't get it, I don't understand it. He was a 5-year-old little boy that had so much to look forward to and he's not here no more," Bindner said.
Bindner said it's been heartbreaking to see Elious' sister go through this at such a young age. They we're only 11 months apart.
"Echo told us Wednesday night that she wanted to have enough orange balloons going up so Eli would know that she loves him," Bindner said.
Bindner said they held the vigil at Algonquin Park because it was Elious' favorite park. Now, they're just trying to make sure everyone knows how much he impacted those around him.
"We'll have to just send him off the best way we can, the only way I know how to do it right now. I miss him so much," Bindner said.
Gardner is charged with murder (domestic violence), criminal abuse of a child 12 or under and fourth-degree assault (child abuse).
In court Saturday, a not guilty plea was entered for Gardner, and a judge set a $1 million cash bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 15.
More Coverage:
5-year-old Louisville boy dies from 'traumatic injuries' after fall
Louisville man charged with murder after kicking and biting 5-year-old son, police say
$1 million bond set for Louisville man charged with murder in death of 5-year-old son
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