Area family seeks help for brother of slain child

The family of Alexander Stephens, who died from injuries sustained during an alleged assault in the Cincinnati area last week, have set up an online fundraiser to pay for the injuries his brother is recovering from.

Alexander, 5, and his brother, Damyan, 6, were found at a hotel in the Middletown area last week, suffering from severe injuries.

Alexander died from his injuries Friday. His brother remains hospitalized in the Cincinnati area.

Alexander's great-grandmother, Sharon Bartholic, set up an online fundraiser to raise money for Damyan's recovery.

Alexander Stephens's Obituary on The Advocate

Bartholic, of Reynoldsburg, said while she hadn't seen Alexander in a while, he was a loving child who loved airplanes.

"He was just a sweetheart," Bartholic said. "He didn't deserve this."

Teresa Mathis, a cousin of Nicholas Stephens, the father of the boys, said Alexander was a "bubbly, giggly little boy" who loved dinosaurs, airplanes and wrestling with his dad and brother.

"He never had an unhappy face," Mathis said. "He would light up a room when he walked in it."

Alexander was called "little chipmunk" by his dad because of his chubby cheeks, she said.

"He was just an overall happy child," she said.

Nicholas Stephens hadn't seen his children in more than a year, ever since their mother, Theresa Hawkins-Stephens, left with the boys and went into hiding, Mathis said.

Stephens had been searching for the boys and got close several times, only to have Hawkins-Stephens disappear again, Mathis said.

Stephens found where his children were after Middletown Police were called to the hotel where the boys were found. Middletown Police allege the two children were tied up and beaten by Hawkins-Stephens and her friend, Rachael Bostian.

The reunion between Nicholas Stephens and Damyan at the hospital was "amazing," Mathis said.

"He was extremely excited to be reunited with his daddy," she said. "Our only goal right now is to get Damyan healthy."

Mathis said the family is thankful for the response of law enforcement and emergency medical personnel, even though the story ended up having a tragic ending. Damyan is recovering but had "extensive injuries" and was malnourished, she said.

Licking County women charged in death of 5-year-old

Mathis said Stephens is hoping to bring Damyan back to the central Ohio area once he is recovered. She said Stephens had recently been living in the Lancaster and Reynoldsburg areas.

"We want to make sure he's healthy because he has enough to deal with everything else that has happened," Mathis said. "We just want to bring him home and show him love. We want to see justice done for these boys."

Bartholic said she didn't expect people to donate to help, but she is hoping people will offer prayers for Damyan's continued recovery. The fund had raised $1,385 as of Tuesday afternoon.

"He's going to need care," she said.

In the meantime, the family is preparing for a funeral, which will be held in the Cincinnati area. Middletown Police have volunteered to pay for Alexander's funeral, according to Cincinnati TV station WLWT.

Mathis said Stephens and his family are "beyond words for the outpouring of love and support" they have received from central Ohio and Middletown.

Police have said the women had last known addresses in Licking County, but did not provide specific addresses for them.Hawkins-Stephens and Bostian have been charged with murder, felony child endangering and felonious assault. Bostian's mother, Ramona Bostian, was also arrested and has been charged with felony child endangering and felonious assault. All three were being held in jail in the Middletown area.