Victim Identified, Father Charged In Killing Of 12-Year-Old Son: Branford Police

BRANFORD, CT — A Branford man has been charged with murder in connection with the killing of his 12-year-old son, according to police.

Anthony Andrew Esposito Jr., 52 of Branford, was charged with murder with special circumstances and criminal attempt to commit murder. He is being held in lieu of a $3 million bond.

The homicide occurred at 100 Hemlock Road on Thursday, according to police.

The victim has been identified as 12-year-old Anthony P. Esposito, police said in an update Friday.

“Branford Police are working closely with the Branford Public School System to ensure that grief counselors and support services are available to students, staff, and families affected by this tragedy,” police wrote in a news release. “We understand this is an incredibly difficult time for our community, and our hearts are with Anthony’s family, friends, classmates, and teachers.”

Anthony Andrew Esposito Jr. was taken into custody Thursday on Route 79 after a car stop with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, according to police. Esposito Jr. was arraigned at New Haven Superior Court on Friday morning.

WFSB 3 reports the state’s attorney said Esposito Jr. is accused of beating his son to death with a baseball bat. He also is accused of pushing his 16-year-old daughter down the stairs before she escaped.

The prosecutor said Esposito told police he would have killed his daughter as well if he could get his hands on the bat, according to NBC Connecticut.

Esposito Jr. told police that his mother recently committed suicide and that he has a history of mental health issues, and has been in and out of psychiatric facilities, according to WFSB 3.

“The Town of Branford is deeply saddened by the tragic event that took place yesterday resulting in the death of a child as a result of a violent incident at the hands of a family member,” Branford First Selectman James Cosgrove said in a statement. “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. Please keep the victim’s family, friends and those impacted by this senseless loss in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

“I would also like to thank all of our first responders and law enforcement partners for their incredible response and extraordinary efforts in the midst of this unspeakable tragedy.

“Branford Public Schools has grief counselors and support resources available to students and staff and Branford Counseling & Community Services is available to provide grief counseling and support to any member of the community who may be affected by this heartbreaking loss.”

Esposito Jr. was a sixth-grade student at Walsh Intermediate School, according to Branford Superintendent of Schools Christopher Tranberg.

“This heartbreaking news has deeply affected our entire school community, and there are simply no words that can truly express the sorrow we all feel,” Tranberg wrote in a message to the Branford community. “On behalf of the Branford Public Schools, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all those impacted by this unimaginable tragedy. Our hearts are with them during this incredibly difficult time.

“In moments like these, it is not uncommon for children and adults to experience a wide range of emotions. These feelings may be prompted by memories of personal loss, fears, or anxiety surrounding death in general. We encourage families to create space for open, honest, and supportive conversations at home. Listening carefully, validating your child’s emotions, and providing comfort can make a meaningful difference.”

Tranberg said counseling support for students, staff, and families will be available from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, May 3 at Walsh Intermediate School. On call services through the Branford Counseling Center are also available should there be needs in the community over the weekend, according to Tranberg. The counseling center can be reached at 203-481-4248.

“If your child needs support or you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact your building administrator, school psychologist, counselor, or social worker,” Tranberg wrote. “In the interim, we have compiled resources to help families navigate these conversations and emotions at home. You can access documents from the National Institute of Health or the National Association of School Psychologists through the links provided.

“Together, we will continue to care for one another and honor the memory of Anthony.”

The Branford Fire Department said, "The Branford Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to all affected by today’s heartbreaking incident on Hemlock Road. We stand in solidarity with our community and our public safety partners during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and all those impacted by this tragedy."

Branford police are continuing to investigate, and anyone with information is asked to call the department at 203-481-4241.

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Connecticut State Police Troop F, the Branford Fire Department, Branford Telecommunicators, Branford Counseling Center, North Branford Police, CT State Police Major Crime and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office for their prompt and professional assistance in this case,” police wrote.

photo via Branford police