A California family is expressing their outrage after learning that the man who slapped their 10-year-old son, Alfredo Morales, may avoid jail time. Alfredo, who has autism, was slapped by Scott Sakajian after allegedly damaging the emblem on Sakajian’s Mercedes-Benz in July. The incident was captured on video and quickly went viral, sparking a public outcry. The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office charged Sakajian with willful cruelty to a child and battery, but his defense attorney is seeking pretrial diversion, which could potentially spare him from serving any jail time.
On July 3, Alfredo and his older sister were crossing the street near Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Osborne Street in Pacoima, Los Angeles, when Alfredo bent the emblem on a Mercedes-Benz. According to reports, the car was stationary at the time. Afterward, the driver, later identified as Sakajian, turned his car around and followed Alfredo and his sister to a nearby bus stop. He confronted them and, despite Alfredo’s sister apologizing and explaining in Spanish that her brother had autism and did not mean to cause harm, Sakajian proceeded to slap Alfredo.
The disturbing video of the incident was widely shared online, sparking a wave of support for the Morales family. The video clearly shows Alfredo’s sister trying to explain the situation while apologizing for her brother’s actions, but Sakajian seemingly disregards her explanation. In the footage, Alfredo is struck across the face by the man, and his sister can be heard pleading for understanding. The emotional impact of the video was felt deeply by many viewers, some of whom were horrified by the man’s reaction to a child with autism.
The defense attorney representing Sakajian filed a motion requesting pretrial diversion, which is a process that allows for offenders to avoid jail time by meeting certain probationary conditions. This has sparked outrage among Alfredo’s family, particularly after Sakajian’s lawyer claimed that he did not know Alfredo had autism. Alfredo’s family and their attorney have strongly rejected this argument. Antonio Villegas, the family’s lawyer, made it clear that the diagnosis of autism should have no bearing on the situation. He expressed that it was unacceptable to slap any child, autistic or not, in such a manner. “What the hell does that have to do with anything?” Villegas said, condemning the action regardless of Alfredo’s condition.
Alfredo’s father, Miguel Alfredo Morales, spoke out emotionally, saying that the attack on his son was wrong and that respect for children, regardless of their condition, should be upheld. “You have to respect the children in any condition,” he said. He, along with other family members and supporters, is demanding justice for Alfredo, as they believe no child should be subjected to physical violence, especially not by an adult.
In addition to the legal battle, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the Morales family, which has garnered significant attention. The family, who is reportedly homeless and living in a broken-down truck in a park, has received close to $100,000 in donations. The fundraising page emphasizes the trauma Alfredo experienced and highlights the family’s difficult circumstances.
The incident has also led to a public outpouring of support for the Morales family, with some residents even confronting Sakajian at his home in the days following the attack. This prompted a police response due to the potential for threats against Sakajian. Despite the backlash, Sakajian’s defense team continues to push for leniency, submitting additional video footage that they argue could provide context for the situation.
This case has become a point of controversy, raising questions about accountability, justice, and the treatment of vulnerable individuals. Many are watching closely to see how the legal system handles the case, particularly given the emotional weight of the incident and the public support for Alfredo and his family. While Sakajian’s legal team hopes for a diversion program, the Morales family and their advocates remain firm in their demand for justice and consequences for the man who harmed Alfredo.
