Sergio Pelico had watched a TV report about the former Iraqi president's death which included footage of the noose being placed around his neck.
The boy, from Houston, Texas, was found dead in his room on New Year's Eve, having tied a slipknot around his neck while on a bunk bed. Police said the death appeared to be accidental and that Sergio, described by relatives as a happy child who was very curious, had been "experimenting".
The day before, he had watched the news of Saddam's execution on TV with an uncle and asked why he was killed.
Another uncle, Julio Gustavo, told the Houston Chronicle: "His uncle told him it was because Saddam was real bad.
"He (Sergio) said 'OK'. And that was it."
He added: "I don't think he thought it was real.
"They showed them putting the noose around his neck and everything.
"Why show that on TV?"
Police Lieutenant Tom Claunch said: "It appears to be accidental."