The man accused of beating a 12 -year -old son to death with a baseball bat

A connecticut man was charged with murder with special circumstances after allegedly defeating his 12 -year -old son to death with a baseball bat, officials said.

Anthony Andrew Esposito Jr., 52, was also charged with a criminal attempt to commit murder after allegedly trying to kill his 16 -year -old daughter, officials said.

The incident occurred Thursday at a house in Branford. Police in Branford identified victims of the murder as Anthony P. Esposito.

Esposito JR was detained Thursday after the dismissal of traffic with the assistance of the Connecticut state police, said Branford police.

During his indictment on Friday at the New Haven High Court, the prosecutor said the Esposito Jr. Allegedly told the police that he was “brutally” defeating his son because the 12 -year -old player was not polite.

He was also accused of pushing his teenage daughter down the stairs and allegedly admitted to the police that if he could get a baseball bat, he would also kill him, said the prosecutor.

His defense lawyer told the court that Esposito Jr. Has had mental health problems since he was a child, including some psychiatric hospitalization during the time, and noted that the police report reflected that he heard a voice.

Esposito Jr. Still detained with a bond of $ 3 million, said the police. Defenders have asked bonds to be reduced to $ 1 million, but judges keep it at $ 3 million, ABC New Haven WTNH affiliation reported.

This case is still under investigation.

“Police Branford cooperates with the Branford public school system to ensure that the advisor to sadness and support services is available for students, staff, and families affected by this tragedy,” Branford Police Department said in a press release. “We understand this is a very difficult time for our community, and our hearts with family, friends, classmates and teachers Anthony.”

Counseling support will be held on Saturday at the Branford Middle School, WTNH reported.

“On behalf of the Branford public school, we give the deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all that are influenced by this unimaginable tragedy,” said Supervisor Branford Public Schools Christopher Tranberg in a statement to the WTNH. “Our hearts are with them during this very difficult time.”