Manatee deputies investigate death of Bradenton boy, 4

MANATEE -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is investigating the Sunday death of a 4-year-old Bradenton boy deputies say died from "unexplained injuries."

Deputies reported finding Alexander Marr unresponsive at a residence in the 700 block of 59th Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton. Alexander was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Medical Examiner's Office performed an autopsy Monday and preliminary results show "unexplained injuries" caused the death. The manner of death was not determined.

"The manner of death would be whether or not it was a homicide," said sheriff's spokesman Dave Bristow. "We're just trying to get to the bottom of what happened with this child."

The investigation continues and no one has been charged in connection with the child's death, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies said Alexander lived with his mother, Dianna Marr, 32, and her boyfriend, Trevor Cardarelle, 25. Marr has a second child who was not present when investigators responded Sunday.

Cardarelle was arrested at the scene Sunday for violation of probation and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to the release. He is being held without bond.

Detectives reportedly found a Glock gun case with a loaded magazine inside. During a recorded interview with detectives, the boy's mother authorized a search of the home.

"Both also stated that upon the arrival of the responding deputies, Trevor went into the master bedroom that he and Dianna share, and he placed a magazine of ammunition into a safe," the arresting deputy reported.

Cardarelle admitted to detectives he is a convicted felon and knew he was not supposed to have a gun or ammunition.

The family has not been investigated by local Child Protective Services in regards to the victim, according to Bristow. Marr was served with eviction papers Monday for falling behind on her rent, according to court documents.

Early Tuesday evening, piles of garbage bags and miscellaneous items were in front of the light yellow duplex home where Marr lived for several years, including a television set and curtain rod. On top of a clear plastic bin was a yellow stuffed teddy bear wearing a bunny ear headband. A bicycle and a baby tricycle were parked by the side of the home.

Nancy Gray, Alexander's maternal aunt, stood outside her duplex home early Tuesday evening next door to where Marr lived. Gray, who said she couldn't speak much because of the investigation, said the family is grieving.

"It's hard," the 26-year-old said. "I was there since day one so it's kind of hard to deal with on a day-to-day basis."

Gray described her nephew as an outgoing boy with quite an imagination. Alexander loved Ninja Turtles and the Avengers. His favorite superhero was Spider-Man.

"I'm still in shock cause he's 4," Gray said, "and he didn't deserve to go this young."

On April 1, Cardarelle pleaded no contest and was convicted of grand theft for stealing a BB gun, four cases of Bud Light and two packs of toilet paper, valued at $412 from a Walmart. He was sentenced to 18 months probation.

This story was originally published April 14, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Manatee deputies investigate death of Bradenton boy, 4."