Cyrus Nainoa Tupaʻi Belt (born February 7, 2006,[1] died January 17, 2008[2]) was born in Hawaii in 2007. Belt was a 23 month old baby who was fatally thrown off of an overpass in Hawaii by Matthew Higa, who was allegedly high on methamphetamine at the time,[3] at around 11:30 on January 17, 2008[4]. There have been speculations that mother Nancy Asiata Chanco left Belt with Higa, but she denies all allegations.[5] Because of his death and the death of Janel Tupuola, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature will pass some laws regarding domestic violence.[6]
Death
editOn the morning of January 17, 2008, Belt's mother, Nancy Asiata Chanco, dropped Belt off at her boyfriend's house. Her boyfriend then transported him to Belt's grandfather's house. There, Belt most likely opened the door for Higa, who was his grandfather's neighbor.[5] Higa then kidnapped Belt, and walked outside, when he then threw Belt off of the Miller Street bridge,[4] where Belt eventually fell about 25 feet to his death.
After death
editMany people have grieved over the loss of Belt, and many visited the site where Belt died. Visitors left hundreds of gifts, balloons, and other toys in memory of Belt, and his loss has stunned many across the state.[7] "Even those who didn't know him say the young boy has touched them in many ways."[7] His funeral was held on January 24, 2008.[8]
According to Gina Mangieri of KHON News, Belt was found outside wandering before his death, which "is a red flag of (child) neglect".[9] Janel Tupuola, who was a victim of domestic violence, was killed the same day as Belt. The deaths of Tupuola and Belt have raised awareness in Hawaii about domestic violence, and there are to be laws about domestic neglect and violence.[10]
References
edit- ^ "Funeral for Cyrus set for tomorrow". The Honolulu Star Bulletin. 2008-01-23. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "Man Accused Of Throwing Child Onto Freeway Arrested". KITV News. 2008-01-17. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ Dooley, Jim (2008-01-23). "Higa abused meth, has had mental problems, father says". The Honolulu Advertiser. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ a b "Man Accused Of Killing Child Was Neighbor". KITV News. 2008-01-18. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ a b "Mother denies leaving boy with suspect". The Honolulu Advertiser. 2008-01-18. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ Nakaso, Dan (2008-01-31). "Trying to prevent further killings". The Honolulu Advertiser. Retrieved 2008-02-01.
- ^ a b Mori, Tammy (2008-01-24). "Toddler Cyrus Belt Remembered". KHON News. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "Cyrus Belt's Funeral Set". KITV News. 2008-01-21. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ Mangieri, Gina (2008-01-18). "Young victim spent time in foster care". KHON News. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ KHON News at 10, Aired January 30, 2008