Police Investigate Boy’s Death, Look for Father

Los Angeles police are investigating the death of a 7-year-old Burbank boy and searching for his father after the child’s body was found in the father’s Hollywood apartment, authorities said Tuesday.

There was no obvious cause of death for Clayton Denis, and an autopsy performed Tuesday was inconclusive, said Lt. Al Moen of the Police Department’s child-abuse unit. Moen said investigators are awaiting for toxicological reports.

Clayton’s mother, Susan Denis, 30, notified Burbank police late Sunday after he failed to return from a weekend visit with his father, Anthony Denis, 36, police said. Picked up at his mother’s about 6 p.m. Friday, Clayton was due back Sunday at 7 p.m.

The mother told investigators that Clayton’s father, who maintained a schedule of regular visits with the boy, was extremely responsible. Police said they were not certain if the couple is divorced or separated.

A neighbor in the 1800 block of North Canyon Drive in Hollywood found the boy’s body covered in bed Monday morning in response to inquiries from his mother and police, Moen said. Anthony Denis, a graphic artist, and his car have not been seen since, he added.

“It’s very suspicious that he’s not available,” Moen said of the father. “We’re apprehensive there could be some foul play there. It is rather unusual he’s suddenly disappeared.”