LOS ANGELES : Kidnap, Burn Victim Gets Outpouring of Support

More than 100 people have phoned to express support to the family of a critically injured 3-year-old boy who was allegedly kidnaped and burned by a family friend, a hospital spokeswoman said Friday.

Some offered money, but “they all wanted to express the fact that they were with the family and to tell their parents their prayers are with them,” said County-USC Medical Center spokeswoman Adelaida De La Cerda.

She said she believed the father’s insurance would cover medical expenses for the boy, who suffered severe smoke inhalation and third-degree burns over more than 60% of his body.

Meanwhile, Belinda Crawford, 28, was being held without bail in Compton, pending a June 12 arraignment. She is charged with attempted murder and kidnaping. Crawford also faces charges of arson and torture, allegedly for putting the boy in a car and setting the vehicle ablaze, prosecutors said.