A one-year-old California boy is being remembered as a "kind and joyful soul" after his father has been accused of beheading him. On Friday, December 20, 2023, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) announced the arrest of Andrey Demskiy, 28, following reports of domestic violence and the horrific discovery of his son's remains.
The incident unfolded early Friday morning at approximately 4:15 AM when deputies were dispatched to the Demskiy residence located on the 7500 block of Versailles Way following a 911 call about a "family disturbance." Upon arrival, the deputies encountered Demskiy's wife outside the home, who reported she and her mother had been assaulted by him. Concerned for their safety, she fled the house.
When the police attempted to contact Demskiy, he refused to open the door. Alerted to the possibility of his one-year-old son being inside, officers decided to force their way through the front door. Once inside, they found Demskiy behaving uncooperatively and "physically resistive." Tragically, he was discovered with the severed head of his child, later identified by the Sacramento County Coroner's Office as Micah Demskiy.
According to authorities, Demskiy used a knife to execute the gruesome act, which SCSO spokesperson Amar Gandhi described as one of the most horrific cases he has encountered throughout his career. "For this family who has got to pick up the pieces and go on — I mean, their world is shattered," Gandhi lamented. Fellow deputies were reportedly "visibly shaken" by the brutality of the scene.
Investigators later revealed the domestic violence incident escalated after the women managed to escape the home. They also reported the mother-in-law had to be transported to the hospital due to non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the altercation.
Demskiy was arrested and booked at the Sacramento County Main Jail, where he remains without bail, facing multiple felony charges, including murder and assault. His arraignment is scheduled for December 24, 2023. Investigators from the sheriff's Child Abuse Bureau are handling the case.
Meanwhile, the community has flocked to support the grieving family, with friends and relatives organizing a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral costs for little Micah. The fund was initially set with a goal of $25,000 but has since skyrocketed to over $82,000, showcasing the outpouring of love and compassion from both near and far.
Lilli Eirikh, who organized the campaign, paid tribute to the young boy, stating, "The sweet little boy was a kind and joyful soul, loving all people and especially dogs. His kind heart and beautiful smile warmed the hearts of everyone he came in contact with." She continued, expressing the family's deep sorrow: "He loved his family and especially his mama. He loved being with family, going to the park, and singing hymns with his family."
A memorial has also been assembled outside the residence, adorned with flowers, teddy bears, and candles. Community members have been delivering expressions of condolences, emphasizing how deeply the tragedy has affected local residents. "I cannot think of a worse call in 20 years," Gandhi stated, showing just how this horrendous event has impacted even seasoned law enforcement officials.
With court proceedings set to begin shortly and public awareness raised about the violence impacting families, many are left wondering how such heinous acts can occur within communities and families. The Demskiy family’s tragedy has stirred conversations about mental health, domestic violence, and the urgent need for supportive resources for those affected.
While justice will follow its course, the memory of Micah, his bright spirit, and joyful existence will remain alive through the efforts of family, friends, and the community, who will carry his message of love and kindness forward.
