A 10-year-old Fresno boy was pronounced dead Tuesday morning at Community Regional Medical Center, following a severe beating he allegedly received from his mother's boyfriend, back on December 29th.

LeBaron Vaughn, and the boy's mother, Rena Ireland are facing serious charges in the case.

An extremely sad story, but what's most unfortunate, is that this could have probably been prevented.

Child protective services launched a child abuse investigation back in August, after receiving several referrals that Seth's life could be in danger. Because investigators couldn't gather any conclusive evidence that the child was being abused, they couldn't legally remove him from the home.

Now, sadly, a child is dead and many questions remain unanswered.

Sabrina Ireland, victim‘s Aunt: "Seth was a nice and caring young boy and had a lot of friends and was real liked within the community."

Jonathan Alvarez, victim‘s Friend: "Sad, just shocked about everything that happened to him."

Tonight, friends and family members of 10-year-old Seth Ireland are in a state of disbelief, after the young boy was pronounced dead this morning, 8 days after he was severely beaten by his mother's boyfriend, according to police.

Sabrina Ireland: "He put on a good front in front of people, but nobody really knew how he was. Nobody knew that he was nice by day and angered by night."

According to a police affidavit, 32-year-old LeBaron Vaughn says after losing control, he elbowed and punched the boy in the face and chest at least 10 times.

Then when the boy fell to the ground, Vaughn says he violently kicked the boy's legs and body, then proceeded to stomp on his head with a size 13 shoe, all while the boy's mother, 40-year-old Rena Ireland just sat by and watched.

Catherine Huerta, Director, Department of Children and Family Services: "We feel extremely responsible when we lose a child that we knew about. I fully believe it's my responsibility."

At the end of August, child protective services received several referrals that the 10-year-old may be being abused, so they launched a child abuse investigation.

But Huerta says since the investigation began, nearly 4 months ago, they've been unable to find any conclusive, physical evidence that the boy was being beaten, and for this reason she says, CPS could not legally remove him from the home.

Preston Phillips, KSEE 24 News: Everyone’s concerned about the welfare of the child, but all of a sudden there is this violent outburst and the mom sits by and watches her boyfriend beat to death this little boy, who’s helpless, do you think someone dropped the ball and missed something?

Huerta: “I don’t know at this point, and if I did know I would. I don’t know. That’s my job right now is to look into that and see, was there something that we missed?

In the meantime, those close to Ireland remember him through a candlelight vigil, held Tuesday night, at the home where the young boy was beaten.

Jackie Ybarra, Family Friend: “I feel really bad. At one time they were happy little boys.”

Seth Ireland had three siblings.

They were removed from the home today.

Two have been placed in foster care, the other with a family member.

Both suspects are scheduled to appear in Fresno County superior court first thing Tuesday morning.

For Preston Phillips' full story, click on the video link above.

For Preston Phillips' bio click here.