Bridgeport, CT — A Bridgeport man accused of child murder for fatally beating his wife’s 6-year-old son with a baseball bat, now faces additional charges after allegedly violating a protective order and tampering with a witness.
Abdulrahim Sulaiman, already charged with murder with special circumstances, attempted murder, assault, risk of injury to a child, and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the September 25 attack, was hit with 21 new counts of violating a protective order, six counts of attempted violation of a protective order, and one count of witness tampering.
September Attack Leaves a Child Dead
The tragic incident resulted in the death of 6-year-old Jathan Escobar, while Jathan’s mother and 4-year-old brother sustained injuries in the attack. Police say Sulaiman used a baseball bat during the assault. Following his arrest, a judge issued a protective order barring him from contacting the surviving victims, including his wife.
Jailhouse Calls Reveal Disturbing Conversations
Court documents reveal that despite the protective order, Sulaiman called his wife from jail 27 times in October, with 21 of those calls being answered. As all inmate calls are recorded, authorities reviewed the conversations and discovered unsettling exchanges.
According to police, Sulaiman and his wife professed their love and discussed the attack, which Sulaiman blamed on drugs. He allegedly encouraged his wife to petition for the removal of the protective order and adopt his biological child to “replace” Jathan. In some calls, Sulaiman reportedly asked her to share blame for the assault and even suggested that she lie on his behalf, pledging to serve time with him if necessary.
New Charges Highlight Protective Order Violations
The new charges against Sulaiman include 21 counts of violating the protective order, which barred him from contacting his wife or the surviving victims. Authorities have also charged him with witness tampering, citing his attempts to influence his wife to change her testimony and take shared responsibility for the crime.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
This case has shocked the Bridgeport community, raising questions about domestic violence, child safety, and the enforcement of protective orders. As legal proceedings continue, authorities are working to ensure the safety of the surviving victims and pursue justice for Jathan Escobar.
Sulaiman remains in custody, and his next court date has not yet been announced.
