Lantz and Malakai pictured in 2016.

WARSAW — Two-year-old Malakai Garrett was beaten to death by Mitchell Vanryn, 27, last week. Vanryn was watching the child at a Fort Wayne residence while the mother was at work. The Allen County Coroner’s Office ruled Malakai’s death a homicide and stated the injuries “were consistent with that of multiple blows and strikes from a closed fist punch.” 

Mitchell Vanryn

Malakai’s father Lantz Garrett lives in Warsaw and is speaking out about his son’s death. Garrett is angered because this wasn’t the first time neglect was suspected in the home. 

“There were multiple [neglect] reports made dating back in 2016. CPS has been called from other people, even KCH, for neglect because one time I got him and brought him to my home he had a diaper rash so horrible he was bleeding so I took him straight to the ER,” explained Garrett. “Other calls from other people were because of possible drug use and a couple on abuse and neglect.”

Garrett remembers his son lovingly and says he was full of life. “Malakai was such an amazing boy. He always wore the best smile and his laugh was the greatest. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. How much I would do to spend one more moment with this guy, he was such a happy loving kid.”

Vanryn was arrested on Thursday, Nov. 30, and is currently being charged with aggravated battery and domestic battery.

Garrett knows that legal action won’t bring his son back, but says it will be a start to healing. “First thing I want is the monster who did this to my man to suffer behind bars like he deserves and I want the mother right there behind him. And I want the laws and codes and ethics to be rewritten for CPS so they don’t take this lightly and it will be a law in Malakai’s name.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to financially help the family while they seek justice. Over $5,000 has been raised so far in support.

“Let’s not stop,” urged Garrett. “We need to make a point not only for Malakai but for all the other babies our lousy system has failed.”