Father in Southern California allegedly killed boy to get back at ex-wife

LOS ANGELES -- Authorities believe that a South Pasadena father killed his 5-year-old son to get back at his ex-wife, calling the alleged murder "pre-planned."

Officials also said the 35-year-old intended to kill himself when he was found passed out near his gasoline-soaked car on April 21.

Aramazd Andressian Sr. remained in custody following his arrest in Las Vegas on Friday and is expected to be arraigned in Los Angeles later this week, L.A. County Sheriff's Department officials said at a news conference. He was being held on $10 million bail.

VIDEO: Mom of missing South Pasadena boy: 'My heart is shattered'

"My heart is shattered," the mother of 5-year-old Aramazd Andressian, who was allegedly murdered by his father, said in a statement that was read at a news conference Monday, June 26, 2017.

Sheriff Jim McDonnell said the elder Andressian was arrested in Nevada because he was "becoming a flight risk." Investigators say that before his arrest in Las Vegas, he was socializing and behaving in a way not consistent of a grieving father.

"He had significantly attempted to change his appearance by shaving his beard and dying his hair," said Detective Joe Mendoza with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. "We further believe he was making plans to flee the country to a location where he could not be extradited."

Aramazd Andressian Jr., whose body has not been found, was last seen in person when his mother handed him off to her estranged husband for a scheduled visit on April 15.

Investigators would not reveal what new evidence led them to suspect the boy's father, but they believe Andressian senior killed his son in the early morning hours of April 21 after the boy left Disneyland. Investigators say the murder was premeditated.

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"He has not been cooperative whatsoever. As a matter of fact, he has given us information in interviews that were untruths," Mendoza said.

Asked about a possible motive for the killing, sheriff's Lt. Joe Mendoza said: "A tumultuous divorce that they were going through at the time."

A statement was read aloud at the press conference from the boy's mother, Ana Estevez.

Although the boy's body has not been found, detectives and the D.A.'s office believe there is enough evidence for a conviction. If convicted as charged, the suspect faces a sentence of 25 years to life in prison, District Attorney Jackie Lacey said.

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Investigators say they will resume the search for the boy's body in Santa Barbara, saying they have reason to believe the body was dumped in the area.

Aramazd Andressian Sr. will appear in a Las Vegas court on Tuesday for an extradition hearing.