UPDATE: Levi Aron, the notorious child killer, has died in custody while serving a 40-year to life sentence for the brutal murder of 8-year-old Leiby Kletzky. New York’s prison system confirmed that Aron, aged 49, passed away shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at a hospital near Wende Correctional Facility in Erie County.
Authorities reported that Aron had been transferred to the hospital on August 23 for unspecified medical issues. His death comes after 13 years behind bars, during which he was often referred to as one of New York’s most infamous criminals. The tragic case dates back to 2011 when Leiby vanished while walking home alone in Borough Park, sparking a massive search that ultimately ended in heartbreak.
In a shocking turn of events, investigators revealed that Aron abducted Leiby just blocks from his home, drove him to a wedding in Rockland County, and only learned about the frantic citywide search upon returning. In a chilling confession, Aron admitted to drugging the boy, smothering him, and dismembering his body before disposing of the remains.
“I went for a towel to smother him in the side room,” Aron told detectives. “He fought back a little bit, but eventually he stopped breathing.” The brutality of this crime sent shockwaves through the community and garnered national media attention, leaving the Orthodox Jewish community in mourning and outrage.
The Kletzky family, deeply affected by this tragedy, filed a civil suit months later seeking $100 million in punitive damages from Aron and his father, calling the actions “utterly reckless, malicious, and wanton.” Leiby’s father, Nachman Kletzky, declined to comment on Aron’s death when reached for a statement.
Correction officials have indicated that Aron’s family has requested an autopsy, though no further details about his medical condition have been disclosed. This developing story continues to resonate within New York and beyond, as many reflect on the lasting impact of this horrific crime.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
