Biological father arrested in death of 4-year-old Aberdeen boy found buried in yard

The biological father of a 4-year-old Aberdeen boy found buried in a relative’s backyard was arrested Thursday in connection with the death of his son.

The Aberdeen Police Department (APD) arrested the 36-year-old man and booked him into jail on suspicion of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, unlawful disposal of human remains, and making false statements to a public servant, according to KING 5.

How investigators uncovered the Aberdeen boy’s death

On May 12, APD responded to a reported missing child complaint regarding the suspect’s 6-year-old daughter. Officers determined the child was with her mother and that the situation was not criminal.

Relatives of the family explained that they called the police for a welfare check after the son, Aiden Bevins, wasn’t seen for some time. APD spoke with the suspect about Aiden’s whereabouts, and he claimed his son was with an out-of-state relative. Investigators contacted the relative, who revealed the child was not in their care, according to KING 5.

On May 15, APD investigators and the Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team located the child’s body, buried at a property owned by his grandmother. The relatives noted that the grandmother and Aiden’s father had been living there, KING 5 reported.

The events preceding and circumstances surrounding Aiden’s death remain under investigation and have yet to be determined.

Foster parents say they warned officials — and were ignored

A former foster family of Aiden’s told KING 5 that they raised concerns about the child being reunited with his biological parents, though no changes were made.

“Something that we had been dreading. A fear of ours ever since he left,” Gary Lopez, who cared for Aiden from ages 1 to 3, said.

The Lopez family stated that Aiden would return to them in poor condition after visiting with his biological parents, noting he would be dirty. The family also said they were concerned about malnutrition and that Aiden was being placed in dangerous situations.

The Lopezes contacted Child Protective Services several times, but Aiden was ultimately placed with his biological parents, according to KING 5.

Magali Lopez noted they raised repeated concerns to agencies, including Aiden’s social worker and their foster agency. Once Aiden was returned to his biological parents, the Lopezes stated that they contacted the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) at least three times. They also made contact with the biological parents.

“They voiced their concerns to Child Protective Services and the DCYF, and the foster parents said, ‘We think this child is in trouble. Please look into it.’ But the foster parents weren’t listened to,” Washington State Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh said, according to The Daily World. “Their fears were realized.”

The suspect is currently being held at Aberdeen City Jail and will be transferred to Grays Harbor County Jail.

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