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Marker Installed At Grave Of Abused Indiana Boy

(CBS) -- A headstone now marks the grave of a 13-year-old Indiana boy who was caged and brutalized by his father before his dead body was concealed under a Gary shed.

Christian Choate's father and stepmother are imprisoned for his death, but one woman felt there was one bit of unfinished business.

CBS 2's Brad Edwards explains.

Patricia Breslin of Washington state read about Christian's story last year and learned there was no headstone at the boy's grave. The childhood abuse survivor raised the money.

"What people can do to their children, their own blood, it just shocked me," Breslin says.

She traveled 2,000 miles to attend a graveside service to dedicate the new marker. Attendees included Lake County Sheriff John Buncich, who was emotional.

"It's only right that we're here today to pay honor to Christian. Nobody should have to suffer like that," he said.

Now, those who walk these rows will know there's a boy here, Christian, who died in 2009 – date unknown. Christian's last name is given as his mother's -- Eriks.

"It just broke your heart," resident Theresa Nordyke said. "I mean, a child is an innocent human being on this earth. Us older people are supposed to watch over them."

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