A 5-year-old boy has died from his injuries after being rescued from a house fire

ROCHESTER, NY (WHAM) – A 5-year-old boy has died three days after a fire tore through his home in Rochester, New York.

Investigators believe it was arson and the family is demanding justice.

“He was a brave, beautiful, innocent boy,” said Malakai Stovall’s father, Tavaughan Stovall.

Malakai’s family remember him after the 5-year-old died tragically.

“That boy saw the wonder and the beauty in everything,” Tavaghan Stovall added. “It didn’t matter what it was or where he was, he was smiling and happy.”

Malakai was holed up in his bed at his home on Portland Avenue when police said the house was set on fire early Monday morning.

The boy was initially hospitalized with burns over 75% of his body.

“He was so excited to learn to read and get ready to go to first grade,” described Karen Mitchell, Malakai’s grandmother.

His family members are now demanding justice.

“I was there to watch him take his first breath and unfortunately I had to watch him take his last breath because of a senseless act of violence,” Mitchell described.

Malakai’s mother, Brianna Akers, is urging the community to help find out who committed the heinous crime.

“My baby has been up there for 21 minutes with no heartbeat and I need help, any help. Call 911, footage, whatever,” Akers pleaded.

“This was one of the most painful and traumatic experiences of my life,” Tavaghan Stovall added. “I want justice for my son. I want the people who did this to him to get exactly what they deserve because he didn’t deserve what happened to him.”

Police say a $5,000 reward is being offered for anyone with information leading to an arrest and conviction.

“That’s the importance of our community coming together because I don’t think there’s anyone here, if you accept the death of a 5-year-old child, then I have no words for you,” Rochester Police Department Capt. Greg Bello. said.

Two firefighters were also injured trying to reach the boy, who was lying in a bed in a second-floor bedroom when the fire broke out.

“No one should have to go through what I, his mother and the rest of the people who love him went through. No one should. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone,” Tavaghan Stovall added.

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