David-Mario Lazar: parents pay tribute to ‘beautiful’ five-year-old boy stabbed to death in his home

The heartbroken parents of a five-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in his home have paid tribute to the "most beautiful child in the world".

David-Mario Lazar, known to his family and friends as Mario, was found with severe injuries on Tuesday (25 January).

Despite the efforts of emergency services he was confirmed dead at the scene and a post mortem has revealed he died as a result of a stab wound.

A 49-year-old woman, known to the family, who was caring for Mario at the time was arrested on suspicion of murder.

She has since been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

‘He was the most beautiful child in the world’

His devastated parents Cristina and Dorinel paid tribute to their son in a statement issued by West Midlands Police.

They said: "Our son, he was the most beautiful child in the world.

"He was a very happy boy. He was always smiling from when he woke up to when he went to sleep.

"He had so much energy. He loved to dance and sing. He is all of our hearts, all our love and is everything to both of us.”

The terraced property on Poplar Road, in Earlsdon, Coventry remains sealed off while officers carry out further forensic examinations.

‘The community are shocked and saddened by this boy’s death’

Superintendent Ronan Tyrer, from Coventry Police, said: “Our investigation continues into the desperately sad death of David-Mario.

“Our specialist officers are supporting his parents and we cannot comprehend the grief they must feel. Our thoughts are with them.

“David-Mario’s school has been informed and they are contacting parents and carers of their pupils.

"The community are shocked and saddened by this young boy’s death.

“We continue to urge people to avoid speculation on social media or sharing posts which could ultimately add to the family’s distress.”

‘The mum was in a lot of distress… it was nightmarish’

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "We heard lots of screaming and shouting and the mum had run into the Co-Op saying her child had been taken.

"She was saying ‘my child, my child’ and repeatedly saying ‘call the police’. She was in a lot of distress as you can imagine. It was nightmarish.

They added: “It is just completely heartbreaking.

"The police have made the cordon even bigger this morning, they have been knocking on our doors and it has just been completely crazy."

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