US3 min(s) read
Published 13:51 03 Jun 2026 GMT
A heartbreaking case in Illinois has drawn widespread attention after an eight-year-old boy was allegedly beaten to death while trying to protect his mother from her boyfriend during a violent domestic incident.
Leland "Lee" Arnett suffered catastrophic head injuries after being struck with a baseball bat at his family's home in De Soto, Illinois, on May 13.
The young boy died four days later, after being transported to a hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
According to court documents obtained by WSIL, 36-year-old Marcus Moultrie is accused of attacking both Lee and his mother, Deborah Snider, during the incident.
Officers responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at around 11PM and reportedly found Snider unconscious while Lee had sustained a "serious" head injury.
Both victims were airlifted to the hospital for emergency treatment, but Lee's injuries proved fatal.
Speaking to The Journal Star, Lee's great-aunt Anne Donlan Andrew said the child had stepped in to defend his mother during the attack.
"This happened because Lee was trying to protect his mother," she said.
"That takes a lot to stand up for your mom in a violent situation like that, and he did... I wish he wouldn't have, but he did."
Lee was laid to rest in Nebraska, where his father and extended family live. His loved ones revealed that he became an organ donor, describing it as his "final act of heroism."
Meanwhile, Snider remains hospitalized as she continues her recovery from the attack. Her sister, Abigayle, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and medical costs.
She explained that the family hopes to "medically transport" Snider back to Nebraska but declined to share additional details because of "security measures".
According to Andrew, Snider learned of her son's death while she was still recovering in hospital and was unable to attend his funeral.
Moultrie was initially charged with multiple counts of attempted murder following his arrest on May 14. After Lee's death, prosecutors upgraded the charges to include two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.
Court documents show the amended charges also allege the crimes involved "exceptionally brutal or heinous behavior indicative of wanton cruelty."
Moultrie has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains in custody. He is scheduled to return to court for a final pre-trial hearing before a trial set to begin on July 6.
Family members suggested the alleged attack was not an isolated incident. Andrew claimed that Snider had previously attempted to leave Moultrie, while Lee's aunt, Laurie Morrison, said the family struggled to find support.
"A safe place to go is really what they needed at the time, and it's just tough that they didn't have that," Morrison said.
She added that living in a "very small town" limited the options available to them when seeking safety.
Those who knew Lee remember him as a caring and joyful child who always looked out for others. His obituary described him as someone who "carried joy with him and shared it freely with everyone around him."
"He loved with his whole heart and ran full force into every hug, making the people around him feel safe, wanted, and deeply loved," the tribute read.
It continued: "More than anything, Lee was a protector. Even at such a young age, he stood up for others and defended anyone who needed kindness or care.
"His heart was gentle, brave, and compassionate beyond his years."
The loss has also deeply affected Lee's classmates, teachers and wider community. De Soto Grade School has honored his memory by creating and selling keychains featuring Lee alongside his favorite animal, a frog, with proceeds going to support his family.
Students also paid tribute by creating a paper chain filled with messages and memories celebrating the young boy's life.
