Investigators seek arrest of person of interest involved in murder of 9-year-old New Kensington boy

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — The homicide case of Azuree Charles has been weighing heavily on neighbors and detectives who continue to investigate the death of the 9-year-old boy.

More than a week has passed and no one has been charged with his murder.

Neighbors saw county detectives still investigating in East Ken Manor this week.

Channel 11 reached out to District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli today for an update on where the case stands.

“The investigation into the homicide of Azuree Charles is active and ongoing,” Ziccarelli said. “I can tell you that this investigation is paramount to our office and the county detectives are working hand in hand with New Kensington Police Department.”

Last week, the DA stood in front of the county mobile command unit set up in the neighborhood to reassure the community, they have someone on their radar.

“I can’t comment any further at this time as it is an ongoing investigation and we do just have a person of interest,” said Ziccarelli.

Azuree Charles was initially reported missing before his body was found behind a shed not far from his home last Wednesday.

The cause of his death has not been released.

But we first brought you the breaking details last week when his father, Jean Charles, was arrested on separate assault charges when he allegedly punched his son in the eye in November.

He remains in jail without bail.

Nine days later, the neighborhood is quieter, less chaotic, while neighbors and friends are longing for answers and closure.

Jean Charles is due in court next week for a preliminary hearing on the assault and child endangerment charges.

Hundreds of neighbors come together to mourn 9-year-old killed in New Kensington

©2022 Cox Media Group