BRANFORD, CT — A Branford man is facing murder charges after allegedly killing his 12-year-old son with a baseball bat inside their home on Hemlock Road.
State prosecutors said the father, 52-year-old Anthony Esposito Jr., was arrested Thursday afternoon shortly after Branford police responded to the scene around 4:00 p.m.
Police said Esposito was taken into custody during a traffic stop on Route 79 shortly after the incident.
He has been charged with murder with special circumstances — due to the victim’s age — and criminal attempt to commit murder.
The victim was identified as Anthony P. Esposito, a sixth-grade student at Walsh Intermediate School.
Branford Public Schools Superintendent Christopher Tranberg confirmed the boy’s enrollment and notified families that grief counseling will be available.
During a court hearing Friday, prosecutors stated that Esposito admitted to the killing and told officers the child had been disrespectful. Authorities said Esposito also pushed his 16-year-old daughter down the stairs before she managed to escape.
The prosecutor said Esposito told police he intended to kill her as well if he had access to the bat.
The judge set bond at $3 million and issued a protective order prohibiting contact with the surviving victim.
Esposito is also barred from possessing firearms if he is released on bond. His public defender said he has a long history of mental health struggles, including multiple hospitalizations, with the most recent taking place approximately 15 years ago.
Branford Public Schools and Branford police said they are coordinating to provide emotional support to students and staff affected by the incident.
Counselors will be available Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Walsh Intermediate School.
Police described the crime as an “unimaginable tragedy” and extended condolences to the family and community. The investigation remains ongoing.
