Branford, Connecticut — A Connecticut man who admitted to killing his 12-year-old son with a baseball bat and attempting to murder his teenage daughter has been sentenced to 60 years in prison, bringing a tragic child homicide case to a close more than a year after the deadly attack.
According to the New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney’s Office, Anthony Andrew Esposito Jr., 53, received a total sentence of 60 years, including 40 years for murder and 20 consecutive years for attempted murder.
The sentence was handed down on July 7, following Esposito’s guilty plea earlier this year.
Deadly Attack Took Place Inside Family Home
The investigation began on May 1, 2025, when Branford police received a call from a woman who believed Esposito had killed someone inside his condominium.
By the time officers arrived, Esposito had already left the residence.
Inside the home, police discovered 12-year-old Anthony P. Esposito in the basement suffering from severe injuries caused by a baseball bat. The child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities quickly issued an alert for Esposito, who was later located in his vehicle by Connecticut State Police troopers and taken into custody.
Daughter Escaped After Alleged Attempt on Her Life
According to prosecutors, Esposito admitted that after killing his son, he drove to pick up his teenage daughter.
When she asked where her brother was, he allegedly told her he was downstairs before pushing her toward the basement where her brother’s body was located.
Investigators said the teenage girl was able to escape without suffering fatal injuries.
Police also stated that Esposito later admitted he may have killed his daughter if he had been able to reach the baseball bat during the encounter.
The attempted attack ultimately led to the additional attempted murder charge.
Guilty Plea Followed Disturbing Admissions
As previously reported during the investigation, Esposito allegedly told investigators that he believed his son had been disrespectful.
According to police, he also claimed he heard the voices of his deceased parents, whom he alleged had abused him during childhood.
Investigators said Esposito told officers the voices instructed him not to let his son “get away with [it]” before prompting him to use the baseball bat.
On April 24, 2026, Esposito pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder, avoiding a trial.
Judge Praises Family’s Strength During Sentencing
During Tuesday’s sentencing hearing, Judge Tracy Lee Dayton commended the victim’s mother and sister for their courage in addressing the court.
The judge also recognized the efforts of the Branford Police Department, Branford Fire Department, and Connecticut State Police, whose members responded to the tragic incident.
Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Adrienne Russo described the killing as an “unfathomable” crime.
Following Anthony’s death, relatives established a fundraiser describing the 12-year-old as a “bright and loving” child whose kindness and joyful personality deeply affected everyone around him.
The family has also received assistance from the Branford Counseling Center and the Office of Victim Services as they continue coping with the devastating loss.
Commenting on the case, New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney John P. Doyle Jr. said:
“Few tragedies are more devastating than the loss of a child.”
He added:
“Anthony’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of how deeply our communities depend on those who work every day to protect the most vulnerable among us.”
The sentencing concludes the criminal case, though the emotional impact of the tragedy continues to be felt by the victim’s family and the Branford community.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your opinions respectfully in the comments while keeping the victim’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time.