‘He loved everyone;’ Family remembers Sidney 3-year-old who died as father faces murder charges

SIDNEY — A community in Sidney is mourning a 3-year-old boy who died over the weekend.

Police have not released the child’s name, but family and friends told News Center 7 his name was Avian Freeman.

Avian’s godmother Milly Varney remembered the days she would spend with Freeman.

“Every day we went to the park, got ice cream, got McDonald’s, got Wendy’s, every single day,” Varney said.

She described Freeman as energetic with a big heart.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Bond set for Sidney man charged with murder after death of 3-year-old boy

“He loved everyone. He would always give everyone hugs. Like ' hey, come give me a hug,’” she said.

But she will no longer get those hugs from Freeman.

On Saturday police arrested 21-year-old Seth Mahoney on two counts of murder.

Varney said he is Freeman’s father.

Saturday police went to a home on North Main Avenue on reports of a boy not breathing.

The 3-year-old was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Detectives said he suffered several injuries, both internal and external. Further information about those injuries was not available.

>> RELATED: Sidney man arrested, charged in 3-year-old boy’s death

Ethan Johnson has known Seth Mahoney for years and also got to know Freeman.

“It’s sad, it really is sad and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone’s kid,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the last time he saw Freeman he thought something was off.

He noticed bruises on Freeman.

When he question Mahoney about them Johnson said he was dismissive, claiming Freeman must have fallen while he was outside.

Varney read from a letter sent to her from Mahoney’s mom.

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

Mahoney’s mom also asked for time for the family to grieve.

Mahoney’s bond was set at $150,000 Tuesday with conditions including he does not have contact with Freeman’s family.

News Center 7 has reached out to Sidney police for updates on the investigation and will update as new information becomes available.

©2023 Cox Media Group