2-year-old Memphis boy killed a year after previous hospitalization; dad arrested, charged with murder

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) -- A Memphis father is facing murder and child abuse charges after police say he beat his 2-year-old son to death Wednesday.

WHBQ reports the child was taken to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital early Wednesday morning, where he died.

Memphis Police arrested Antonio First at his home in Frayser and charged him with aggravated child abuse, aggravated child abuse-neglect and first-degree murder, court documents show.

According to an affidavit, the child had skull fractures on both sides of his skull, bruising over his entire body, ligature marks around his neck, and his stomach was filled with blood.

First told police that a court had ordered him not to have the child in his custody after an April 2019 incident when the boy was hospitalized with a serious head injury while spending the night with his father.

First also reportedly admitted to causing the fatal injuries after slapping the victim. The impact sent the victim into the wall, he said.

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• Father arrested in killing of young boy in Frayser, police say - WHBQ