Father sentenced for murder of 3-year-old son who family says ‘loved everyone’

SIDNEY — A father was sentenced after he was found guilty of murdering his 3-year-old son.

Seth Mahoney was sentenced to 15 years to life for the murder of Avian Freeman, according to Shelby County court records.

In June 2023 police went to a home on North Main Avenue in Sidney on reports of a boy not breathing.

Freeman was pronounced dead at the hospital. Detectives said he suffered several injuries, both internal and external.

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Police arrested Mahoney, identified as the boy’s father, on two counts of murder.

Mahoney later pleaded guilty to this charge.

Freeman’s mother previously sent a letter to News Center 7 about the death of her son.

“My family has lost a dearest precious child. His wings were ready, but we were not,” the letter reads.

Family friends said Freeman “loved everyone” and “would always give everyone hugs.”

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