Funeral for boy at the center of murder investigation - KPTV - FOX 12
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A young boy, who police said was killed by his parents, was laid to rest Monday at a cemetery in Gresham.
According to investigators, 5-year-old Mahanarye Noa died from battered child syndrome. His parents are being held on murder by abuse charges.
"Somber, very emotional," family member Mike Talimao said about the funeral. "There was a lot of emotions going through."
Monday's service was about remembering the good times with Mahanarye, whose life was cut short last Thursday.
"He always wants to play, he always wants to sing, play music. He's very loving and very happy," Talimao said.
Police said the boy's parents, Kalman and Valisha Eteuati, brought him to the hospital and told doctors that he was injured in a fall. He died shortly after they arrived.
"Every time the family was together it was all playtime and joy," Talimao said.
But, police said, behind closed doors were years of terror at the hands of his parents.
However, Monday wasn't about the abuse or about the bad times, it was about remembering the life of the smiling, giggling boy who was loved by his three siblings and the hundreds of close friends in his Samoan community. Monday's graveside service was led in the boy's native Samoan language with his family by his casket's side.
"He's in a better place and eventually we'll all be able to be together," Talimao said.
Next Monday Portland city flags will be lowered in honor of Mahanarye. His parents are being held in the Multnomah County Jail without bail and will be back in court on Wednesday.
Copyright 2012 KPTV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
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