A 21-year-old father killed his two-year-old son by brutally punching him during potty training.
The tragic incident happened on Sunday, July 26, in Houston, Texas, Daily Mail reports.
Antonio Hicks Sr, 21, allegedly snapped and ruthlessly punched his two-year-old son, Antonio Hicks Jr. The toddler later died at a Houston hospital. Hicks Sr. was then arrested by deputies from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
After realizing his son is unresponsive, Hicks Sr took him to the Houston Northwest Emergency Center.
KHOU reveals this was probably not the first time the child was physically abused, as he had multiple injuries, both recent and healing.
The injuries weren’t consistent with what Hicks Sr initially claimed happened.
At first, the 21-year-old tried to convince officials that a stranger attacked both him and his baby while they were outside.
However, he soon reportedly admitted his fault. According to Hicks Sr alleged confession, he hit his son in the chest after he “snapped” while potty training him.
At the time, the child’s mother was at home. When police questioned her, she told them she heard multiple slaps and punches from the other room. Her words confirmed the father’s fault.
The following night, devastated relatives and friends gathered for a memorial for little Antonio. They used to call the boy Baby K. His mother’s home was filled with candles, balloons, and toys from Baby K’s favorite kids’ show, Paw Patrol.
The baby father is now charged with serious bodily injury. He’s being held in custody on a $250,000 bond. However, the charges may be upgraded after the toddler’s autopsy.
