The details coming out of Placentia recently have been nothing short of a nightmare. People are talking, and for good reason. When we hear about a "barber" or a "church minister," we usually think of pillars of the community—people you'd trust with your life, or even more importantly, your kids. But the case of Ernest Lamar Love Placentia has completely flipped that script.
It's heavy. Honestly, it’s the kind of story that makes you want to hug your family a little tighter. We’re looking at a situation where a 41-year-old man, who was supposed to be a safe haven for a 6-year-old boy named Chance Crawford, is now facing charges that are difficult to even read aloud.
The Night Everything Changed in Placentia
On August 29, 2024, everything seemed normal. Chance’s mom, Charlyn Saffore, was heading to her night shift as a nurse's assistant at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Like many working parents, she needed reliable childcare. She turned to Ernest Lamar Love, a man she met through her church and considered a friend.
He was a barber in Placentia. A man who supposedly mentored her son.
But surveillance footage from that night tells a different story. It shows Love walking into his barbershop holding a large piece of raw lumber. Behind him? A reluctant 6-year-old boy. What allegedly happened inside that shop is why the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has charged Love with murder, torture, and child abuse.
The catalyst for this violence? Something as simple—and common for a child—as an accident.
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Prosecutors say Love beat the boy because he peed his pants at a local park.
A History Hidden in Plain Sight
One of the most shocking aspects of this case isn't just what happened in 2024. It’s the history that many people didn't know about. There is a deep, dark irony in the fact that Love was trusted by a congregation while carrying a past that should have been a screaming red flag.
Back in 1995, a man by the same name—Lamar Love—was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of his own son, Gary Love. Just like the current case, that tragedy involved blunt force trauma and claims of "accidental falls." In 2022, he even tried to get his sentence reduced or his conviction overturned under new California laws, but the courts shut him down.
Yet, somehow, he was operating a business in Placentia and serving as a minister and "prophet" at Amazing Church in Lake Elsinore.
Why the Church Connection Matters
The community is traumatized. You can see it in the interviews with church leaders who say they were "blindsided." But were they?
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- Reports suggest Love had already been suspended from his ministerial duties due to "inappropriate relationships" with women.
- Former members noted he had a temper, though they claim they never saw it directed at children.
- The mother, Charlyn, believed she was leaving her son with a man of God.
It’s a classic case of a predator hiding in the light.
The Charges and the Legal Road Ahead
Ernest Lamar Love is currently being held without bail. He pleaded not guilty, which is standard, but the evidence presented by District Attorney Todd Spitzer is harrowing.
When Love finally brought Chance to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) around 1:30 a.m., the boy was unconscious and barely breathing. Doctors found horrific injuries: missing flesh, brain swelling, and a healing fracture on his shoulder blade that suggested earlier abuse. Instead of calling 911 immediately after the boy collapsed from being forced to do "punishment" exercises like push-ups and jumping jacks, Love drove him there himself.
Chance died three days later.
If convicted on all counts—murder, torture, and child abuse causing death—Love is looking at 32 years to life, plus an extra five years. For a 41-year-old, that’s essentially a life sentence.
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What This Means for Placentia Residents
This case has left a scar on Placentia. It’s not just about one bad actor; it’s about the systems that let people like this slip through the cracks. How does a convicted killer end up in a position of trust at a church? How does a barbershop become a site of alleged torture?
Actionable Insights for Parents and the Community:
- Vetting is Non-Negotiable: Even if you meet someone through a "trusted" institution like a church or a school, run your own background checks. The $20–$50 fee for a deep-dive public records search is worth it.
- Trust Your Gut with Your Kids: If a child is "reluctant" to go with someone, as Chance was seen on video, pay attention. It isn't always just a "mood."
- Look for Pattern Behavior: Love was already being disciplined by his church for "inappropriate" behavior with adults. Frequently, people who lack boundaries in one area of their life lack them in others.
- Support the Family: There are ongoing efforts to help Chance’s mother with expenses. Finding ways to support the victims' families is how a community actually heals.
The Ernest Lamar Love Placentia story is a tragedy of missed signals and misplaced trust. As the court dates approach in 2026, the focus remains on getting justice for a 6-year-old who just wanted to finish his first week of first grade.
To stay updated on the trial's progress, you can monitor the Orange County District Attorney's official press portal or follow local Placentia news outlets that are tracking the courtroom proceedings. Checking the status of the case via the Orange County Superior Court's online portal using Love's full name will also provide the most direct information on upcoming hearing dates and filings.