Overview

• 27-year-old David E. Pietura and 15-year-old Erik J. Mendoza have been charged with first-degree intentional homicide following the discovery of 5-year-old Prince McCree's body in a dumpster in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• The two accused were living in the same house as the victim and his family. The child was allegedly beaten and choked by Mendoza in the basement of the house while his mother was sleeping, and Pietura allegedly watched on.
• After the violent act, Pietura and Mendoza reportedly used tape to bind the boy's limbs and placed him in garbage bags. Pietura admitted that it was his idea to bind the child's body for easier disposal. They then deposited the bags in a dumpster behind a bar, covering them with other garbage bags.
• During a police interview, Pietura revealed that Mendoza had opened up to him about other crimes he committed, including stabbing multiple strangers in the back or neck with a knife. Mendoza had also reportedly disclosed his intention to kill someone.
• Following their arrest, the two face charges including physical abuse of a child causing death and hiding a corpse, in addition to the homicide charge. If convicted, they could face life sentences. Pietura could face an additional 12 years and six months in prison, and Mendoza an additional 65 years.