Branford Man Charged with Murdering 12-Year-Old Son with Baseball Bat

Anthony Andrew Esposito Jr., a Connecticut man, is facing serious charges after allegedly killing his 12-year-old son with a baseball bat and attempting to murder his teenage daughter, according to police in Branford, just outside New Haven.

The 52-year-old was arrested and charged with murder with special circumstances—due to the victim’s age—and attempted murder. The incident happened on the afternoon of May 1.

Officers responded to a call from a woman who believed Esposito had killed someone in his Hemlock Road condo. When police arrived, they found the boy in the basement with severe head injuries. He was pronounced dead at 4:10 p.m.

Esposito fled the scene in a silver Chrysler Pacifica but was stopped by state troopers on Route 79 near Madison. According to the police report, he initially requested to speak with a specific officer, but eventually agreed to speak with investigators.

He admitted to hitting his son with a baseball bat, saying the boy had been “disrespectful” and that he was influenced by voices in his head—those of his deceased parents. “Don’t let him get away with [it]… Baseball, baseball bat,” he recalled the voices saying.

Afterward, he picked up his 16-year-old daughter from a bus stop. He claimed their drive home was uneventful. However, once inside, he pushed her toward the basement. According to police, he admitted he would have killed her too had he reached the bat, but she escaped.

Body camera footage from Esposito’s arrest reportedly captured him confessing to the murder.

During his arraignment on May 2, a judge said the case involved “horrendous” allegations and noted Esposito may face life without parole. His attorney said he has a long history of mental illness and was off his medication. A request was made for suicide watch in custody.

Anthony Andrew Esposito Jr. is being held on $3 million bond.

Police are working with local schools to offer counseling support. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family, friends, and all those impacted in our community,” authorities said.

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