Loved ones of murdered Peoria toddler react to step-father’s arrest

PEORIA, AZ (AZFamily) — A Valley family is now broken following the death of 2-year-old Gabriel, who was allegedly killed by his own stepfather , 26-year-old Hein Lwin.

They are not only dealing with the loss of the child but the loss of the man they thought they knew.

"Everyone is grieving and everyone doesn't want to talk to each other. Everyone is falling apart because of the monster," said a grieving family member who wished to stay anonymous.

Lwin is currently facing a first-degree murder charge.

Gabriel's loved ones told Arizona's Family it's a step toward justice.

"He needs to pay for what he did. He's torn our family apart," the family member said.

Court documents said Peoria police were called out to a home late last month for reports of a child choking.

When officers arrived, they noticed Gabriel had visible marks on his neck and was not responsive.

He was rushed to the hospital. Loved ones said Gabriel was in such bad shape.

"He didn't look like Gabriel anymore when he was in the hospital," the family member said.

Unfortunately, Gabriel didn't make it and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Court docs showed Lwin admitted to hitting his stepson multiple times when questioned by police.

"He's a monster because how could he hurt a 2-year-old baby who doesn't even know how to say when he wants something? He doesn't even know how to say yes," the family member said.

The police report detailed another time Lwin talked about hurting the baby.

When police told him Gabriel wouldn't survive, Lwin was quoted saying, "I deserve everything that is coming to me."

"We just want justice for Gabriel. We know he's with the Lord now but we want to get him justice and we want to be at peace too," said a close loved one to Gabriel.

Lwin has a $1 million bond.