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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ben Perrin & Hannah Mackenzie Wood

'Beautiful' five-year-old boy named as stab victim as parents pay tribute

A five-year-old boy knifed to death at his home has been named by police - as his heartbroken parents pay tribute to the "most beautiful child in the world".

David-Mario Lazar, known to loved ones as "Mario", was fatally stabbed on Tuesday, January 25 at his house on Poplar Road, Earlsdon, Coventry.

A 49-year-old female arrested on suspicion of the child's murder has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

West Midlands Police have confirmed she was known to the family and was looking after the youngster at the time of the tragedy, Birmingham Live reports.

In a statement, authorities said: "A boy found dead in Coventry has been named as David-Mario Lazar, known to his family and friends as Mario.

"We found the five-year-old with serious injuries at his home in Poplar Road, Earlsdon, just before 6pm on Tuesday.

"He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene; a post mortem examination has confirmed he died from a stab wound."

Mario with his parents Cristina and Dorinel. (West Midlands Police)

His devastated parents, Cristina and Dorinel, released a statement saying: “Our son, he was the most beautiful child in the world.

"He was a very happy boy. He was always smiling from when he woke up to when he went to sleep. He had so much energy. He loved to dance and sing. He is all of our hearts, all our love and is everything to both of us.”

The property remained sealed off while police continued a forensic examination.

Police at the scene of the stabbing. (PA)

Supt Ronan Tyrer, from Coventry Police, said: “Our investigation continues into the desperately sad death of David-Mario.

“Our specialist officers are supporting his parents and we cannot comprehend the grief they must feel. Our thoughts are with them.

“David-Mario’s school has been informed and they are contacting parents and carers of their pupils. The community are shocked and saddened by this young boy’s death.

“We continue to urge people to avoid speculation on social media or sharing posts which could ultimately add to the family’s distress.”

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