US father charged with murder after beating 12-year-old son to death with baseball bat

A 52-year-old man from Connecticut, Anthony Andrew Esposito Jr., has been charged with murder after allegedly beating his 12-year-old son to death with a baseball bat, according to police.

The Branford Police Department arrested Esposito on May 2 in connection with the killing of his son, Anthony P. Esposito. In addition to the murder charge, he faces a count of attempted murder for allegedly attacking another family member.

During a court hearing, Esposito’s public defender cited long-standing mental health issues that had gone untreated for decades, though the attorney’s name was not disclosed in the report by WTNH-TV. Attempts by USA TODAY to reach Esposito’s legal representation on Monday were unsuccessful.

According to a police report obtained by WTNH-TV, Esposito told investigators that he believed his son frequently disrespected him—reportedly cursing at him and making obscene gestures. Esposito also said that voices in his head, which he identified as those of his deceased parents, urged him not to tolerate the boy’s behavior.

The report further details a violent incident involving Esposito’s 16-year-old daughter, whom he allegedly pushed down the stairs when she asked about her brother. She managed to flee the home and alert authorities.

The tragic death has left the local community in mourning. A GoFundMe page set up in memory of the boy described him as a “kind soul” whose laughter and warmth brought joy to those around him. “His absence leaves an unimaginable void,” the page reads, noting the emotional and financial toll the family now faces.

Friends and classmates also shared their grief. “He was always joyful,” said Matthew Edgar, a family friend. “He loved playing with his friends, especially in the pool.”

Anthony was a sixth-grade student at Walsh Intermediate School in Branford. In a statement, Superintendent Dr. Christopher Tranberg expressed condolences, saying, “Our hearts are with the family, friends, and all those impacted by this unimaginable tragedy.”