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Anonymous Donor Gives $1,000 To Cover 4-Year-Old Abuse Victim's Burial

By Andrea V. Watson | September 8, 2016 11:12am
 Alyssa Garcia, 27, and Christian Camerena, 19, have been charged in the death of 4-year-old Manuel Aguilar. A 17-year-old boy also was charged, but his photo was not released because he is a minor. The abuse occurred in this house in the 6400 block of South Wolcott Avenue, prosecutors said.
Alyssa Garcia, 27, and Christian Camerena, 19, have been charged in the death of 4-year-old Manuel Aguilar. A 17-year-old boy also was charged, but his photo was not released because he is a minor. The abuse occurred in this house in the 6400 block of South Wolcott Avenue, prosecutors said.
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DNAinfo/Chicago Police Department

ENGLEWOOD — An anonymous donor has made a $1,000 contribution toward burial costs for 4-year-old Manny Aguilar.

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) said the donor contacted his office late Wednesday. Manny's family created a GoFundMe page last month hoping to raise $5,500.

"My only motive for reaching out for help is to make sure that Manuel can have a decent funeral and burial," the boy's grandmother posted on the fundraiser page. "What matters right now is him. We love him dearly. Financially we are very unprepared for our expenses."

Manny’s malnourished body was found in a burning, vacant Englewood home on Aug. 2, four days after he died.

His mother, Alyssa Garcia, 27, was accused of hiding Manny's body in the basement of the house because "she didn't want DCFS to take away her kids again," according to Assistant State's Attorney Jamie Santini during a bond hearing last month.

Garcia is accused of regularly locking Manny in a back room, denying him food and access to a bathroom, and physically abusing him. She faces criminal charges for arson and concealing a death, as does her boyfriend and alleged accomplice.

Wednesday, family and community members honored Manny's short life at a memorial organized by I Grow Chicago. His older siblings were have been involved with the organization for more than a year, said president Robbin Carroll. 

Manny had five siblings and was the big brother of week-old twins.

Anyone who wants to help with donations for Manny’s siblings can contact Lopez’s office at 773-823-1539 or I Grow Chicago at 312-286-7392.

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