NBC25 takes a look at the man accused of the torturous murder of a 4-yr-old boy.
Folks who used to live by 24-year-old Brandon Hayes are having a hard time wrapping their minds around the fact he is charged with the brutal murder of a 4-year old Argentine Township boy.
Police say Hayes tortured little Dominick Calhoun for four days after the child angered him by having an accident on a sofa. The toddler suffered burns and injuries to his entire body before he died the morning of April 12, 2010.
Sources say Hayes had just moved into the Argentine Township apartment a few weeks ago. According to records he used to live with his parents in the Tyrone Woods manufactured home park in Tyrone Township.
Neighbors in Tyrone Township say they remember Hayes as a friendly man who took time out to talk to young children in the neighborhood.
“He seemed like such a nice guy. He'd walk by and talk to my son,” says Renee Durandettl. “I’ve talked to his mom and his dad. It is just weird that he could do that to a child.”
Neighbors say Hayes comes from an upstanding family.
“I’ve spoken to his dad. Nice guy,” says neighbor Don Phillips. “One of the nicest guys you’d ever want to meet.”
Phillips says Hayes’ parents are known for helping out those who live on their block, and Hayes’ father often mows his neighbors’ lawns just to be nice.
Phillips says he doesn’t know the accused killer well, but has heard of his drug problems. Hayes has a long criminal record that includes multiple drug convictions.
“If you have a kid on drugs turn them in,” says Phillips. “They’re better off in jail then they are ruining their life, or ruining someone else’s life. It’s got to stop.”
24-year-old Brandon Hayes will face a judge for a pre-trial Tuesday, April 20, 2010.
