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Father charged with suspicion of murder over missing boy, Aramazd Andressian Jr.
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Family and community members think the boy is still alive and possibly in another country

The dad of a young boy last seen two months ago at a park in Pasadena, California, was charged on suspicion of murder and arrested on Friday, but family and community members feel that the child is still alive.

NBC4 reports that authorities arrested Aramazd Andressian Sr. after an extensive two-month search that covered areas from Santa Barbara to Orange County. So far, authorities haven’t said if the boy’s remains were found or what evidence was found that led to the father’s arrest.

On April 20, authorities arrested Andressian Sr. after they found him passed out on a park bench at Arroyo Park, off of Stoney Drive, in South Pasadena. They released him shortly after due to lack of evidence. He had the boy for visitation and told police they were at the park together, but he couldn’t remember why he passed out or where the child was. The child’s mother talked to her son on Skype a few days prior to his disappearance and didn’t notice anything out of the usual.

READ Original: Urgent! Little boy missing after father passes out in California park

Sheriff’s homicide detectives in Las Vegas took Andressian Sr. into custody at around 1 p.m. on Friday. Authorities plan to transfer him back to Los Angeles County after they go through the extradition process next week. He’s being held on $10 million bail. 

Meanwhile, the suspect’s family members were stunned when they heard he’d been arrested.

He swears to his dad’s grave. He says I never would do such things like that to my child. Never!” Levon Asatourian, Andressian Sr.’s uncle, told NBC4.

ADDITIONAL Reading: California boy Aramazd Andressian is still missing; $10K reward offered for his return

Others, such as Margaret Robles, a resident in the Montebello community where the missing boy’s great-grandmother lives, said she thinks the boy is still alive and living in Armenia.

“My thought was he was sent to live with relatives in Armenia.”

Another resident, Julie Lazarraga, echoed Robles’ sentiments.

“I feel that he’s not here…that he’s in another country. I feel that he’s not dead.”

A news conference is scheduled for Monday, according to Los Angeles County sheriff’s department spokesperson, Nicole Nishida. 

Check back with Crime Online as additional details become available.

[Feature Photo: Family Handout]