A Connecticut man claims he killed his young son because voices told him to do it. Anthony Andrew Esposito Jr., 52, allegedly beat his 12-year-old son, Anthony P. Esposito, with a baseball bat inside his Branford home. He’s also accused of injuring his 16-year-old daughter, who reportedly discovered her brother’s body in the basement. Branford Police responded to a call at 100 Hemlock Road and found a heartbreaking scene.
According to court documents obtained by the Stamford Advocate, Esposito picked up his daughter from school and brought her home on the afternoon of May 1, 2025. When the girl asked about her brother, the father allegedly led her to a staircase and pushed her down toward her brother’s body. Somehow, the teen escaped and contacted police. Esposito left the home, but police apprehended him a short time later.
During an interview, the father reportedly told police he suffered physical abuse as a child. He said he heard his parents’ voices in his head before the fatal beating. They reportedly told him not to allow his son to get away with “disrespectful” behavior, the news outlet reported. He told police he heard them say “baseball bat” before the fatal beating.
“I have no words other than it’s heartbreaking and just makes absolutely no sense. As a parent, it’s very painful for me to think about the death of this child and what the family is going through right now,” Branford First Selectman James Cosgrove said in a statement obtained by the Advocate. “Please keep the victim’s family, friends and those impacted by this senseless loss in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
According to court documents, Margaret I. Castinado, Esposito’s public defender, said her client suffered mental health issues since childhood, the Advocate reported. He also spent time in a mental health facility but was not taking medication. Castinado added that her client has not had medication since his release, and his mother recently died by suicide.
Esposito faces charges of murder with special circumstances and attempted murder, per the Advocate. He is in jail on a $3 million bond.
Loved ones gathered at St. Mary’s Church in Branford to honor the life of young Anthony, WTNH reported.
“The best way to remember Anthony is with his innocence, his kindness and with his love,” the Rev. Edward Gutierrez told the news outlet. “He was a good classmate, a good brother, a good son.”
The news shocked people in the community, who cannot believe it took place so close to home.
“It’s horrific, everything that happened,” Patty Ceneri told WTNH. “It’s really unconceivable how something can happen like this to a 12-year-old, innocent little boy.”
Carolyn Bast created a GoFundMe page to support Anthony’s family. It has surpassed the original $25,000 goal, raising more than $77,000 thus far.
“It is with broken hearts that we share the sudden and tragic passing of my sweet and loving nephew, Anthony P Esposito, a bright and loving 12-year-old boy who touched the lives of everyone who knew him,” Bast wrote on the page. “His smile, laughter, and kind soul brought warmth to our lives, and his absence leaves an unimaginable void.”
