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Centennial 5-year-old allegedly killed by 11-year-old brother identified by coroner

The Centennial 5-year-old who police said was killed by his older brother has been publicly identified.

Elias Reliford was identified as the boy Monday by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office. The coroner performed an autopsy on Reliford on March 11, one day after he died, according to a news release. The manner of death was homicide, the release said. No cause of death was released.

Police responded at about 5:30 p.m. March 10 to a home in the 5200 block of South Jericho Way, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office said previously. At the home, Reliford was found dead. His 11-year-old brother, who has not been publicly identified by authorities because he’s a minor, was arrested and has since been charged with first-degree murder.

Details about the killing have not yet been released by authorities. A first-degree murder charge in Colorado indicates premeditation and intent to cause an individual’s death.

Under Colorado law, someone under the age of 12 cannot be charged as an adult. Eric Ross, a spokesperson for the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office, said the 11-year-old has not been advised of the charges against him as of Tuesday. Ross said the boy will likely not be advised of the charges until April.

Ross also said the case is being heard in juvenile court.

Reliford was a kindergartner at Timberline Elementary School, according to a letter sent to parents by the school’s principal.

Attempts by The Denver Gazette to reach Reliford’s family have been unsuccessful.

A visitation and funeral for Reliford is scheduled for this weekend in Louisiana, according to Facebook posts from the funeral home and Reliford’s family.


Matt Kyle

Reporter


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