LOS ANGELES, CA – A San Fernando Valley man accused of slapping a 10-year-old autistic boy during a confrontation at a bus stop appeared in court on Monday.
The defendant, identified as Scott Sakajian, faces charges of willful cruelty to a child and battery on a person. The charges stem from an incident on July 1 involving the boy, Alfredo Morales, and his 14-year-old sister, Claudia Morales.
The Incident
According to authorities, the confrontation began when Alfredo touched the emblem on Sakajian’s Mercedes-Benz sedan as he and his sister were crossing the street near Laurel Canyon Drive and Osborne Street. Sakajian reportedly made a U-turn, followed the siblings to a nearby bus stop, and approached them in what turned into a shocking altercation.
Cell phone footage captured Sakajian stepping out of his car, walking up to the bench where Alfredo was sitting, and slapping the boy. Claudia can be heard in the video attempting to de-escalate the situation, explaining to Sakajian that her brother has autism. Despite her pleas, the man struck the child, prompting public outrage after the video circulated on social media.
At the time of the incident, the Morales family was experiencing homelessness, living out of a broken-down truck. The children’s father said Alfredo and Claudia regularly used public transportation to run errands, including trips to the grocery store.
The attack triggered an outpouring of community support. A GoFundMe campaign raised funds to repair the family’s truck and provide temporary motel accommodations. Local officials subsequently assisted the Morales family in securing more permanent housing.
Legal Developments
Monday’s hearing marked the first time Sakajian appeared in court in person since charges were filed. According to the family’s attorney, Antonio Villegas, the defendant has yet to show any acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
“Scott Sakajian has done nothing to demonstrate he is worthy of diversion,” Villegas said outside the courtroom. “Instead, he has made excuses for his conduct.”
Sakajian’s legal team filed a Motion for Judicial Diversion, which would allow him to avoid a conviction by completing a program of rehabilitation or other court-ordered measures. However, the judge postponed the hearing on the motion until Jan. 23.
If convicted on the charges, Sakajian could face up to six months in prison. The family’s attorney has called for accountability, emphasizing the lasting impact the incident has had on Alfredo and his family.
“This was a cruel and unwarranted act of violence against a vulnerable child,” Villegas said. “We are hopeful the court will see the gravity of what occurred and ensure justice is served.”
The case has drawn widespread attention, with advocates for individuals with disabilities condemning the incident as an example of the challenges faced by families caring for children with special needs. Advocacy groups have also called for increased public awareness and training on how to interact respectfully with individuals on the autism spectrum.
The court will reconvene in January to address the pending motion for judicial diversion. Meanwhile, the Morales family continues to rebuild their lives, supported by a community that has rallied around them in the wake of the incident.
Anyone with additional information about the case is encouraged to contact local authorities.
