The story of this 8-year-old’s sacrifice to save his younger sister will bring you to tears.
On Sept. 1, Dante Daniels would have started his second day of third grade while his younger sister would have started her second day of second grade. As Dante, his sister, and their mother, Elizabeth Salone, walked to the school in Sacramento, California, the mother’s ex-boyfriend attacked them.
According to Yahoo News, a criminal report reveals 23-year-old Deandre Chaney Jr. was “engaged in the crime of committing a lewd act” when Dante did what he could to protect his younger sister.
The ex-boyfriend lodged his attack at the family – targeting the 7-year-old girl – with a knife and a hammer.
“Trying to save his sister from this child molester, and that’s why he was beat the worst,” said his grandmother, Monique Brown.
The criminal report reveals Chaney used lighter fluid in addition to the hammer and the knife during the attack against the family of three. While the mother and daughter survived the attack, Elizabeth will “likely never see out of her left eye again” and the 7-year-old “will need a lot of help,” according to the grandmother.
After the attack, officials transported the family of three to a hospital to treat them for their injuries. Hospital officials declared Dante brain dead, and he passed away just six days later.
In addition to sacrificing himself to save his mother and sister, Dante continued his heroic ways after death by donating his heart to a 4-year-old in Southern California.
“Dante gave his heart to a 4-year-old in Southern California, so a 4-year-old lives because of him.”
A GoFundMe page is available to help the family with financial burdens caused by the attack.
“We are asking for any help possible due to the fact the kids need multiple surgeries along with medical bills and recovery. They will all need to go through counseling. The children will never be the same from this tragedy nor will their mother. They will be traumatized from such vicious crime. They will need to start over from the ground up. Anything helps pray, share, a small donation.”
In 24 days, the campaign raised $91,115, exceeding the original goal of $75,000.
A family member recently posted an update regarding Dante’s funeral.
“God has already gained his soul. Tomorrow we will lay him to rest this is going to be a very hard day. Please keep us in your prayers. I will update pictures after of our hero. If I can pull my emotions together to do so. I just want to thank all of you guys. So much for everything whether it was a prayer, share, or donation we appreciate it.”
The supportive messages on the GoFundMe page were filled with a combination of love and sadness.
Most were in awe of the bravery and courage this young boy possessed.
“The little boy showed great bravery in trying to protect his sister. I’m very sorry and saddened by the loss of his life. May he Rest In Peace. Wishing his mother, sister and the rest of their family peace of heart and mind.”
Chaney now faces attempted murder charges, a murder charge, and charges of lewd acts toward a child under the age of 14.
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