Man Confesses To Killing Girlfriend's Toddler: Lakeland Police

LAKELAND, FL — A 30-year-old Lakeland man confessed to beating his girlfriend's 2-year-old son to death when he urinated on the couch, Lakeland police said.

Alegray Jones, 30, was aggravated at the victim just before 12:45 a.m. on Friday when he hit him multiple times causing him to lose consciousness, according to investigators. Jones didn't call 9-1-1, but instead texted the boy's mother who was at work. An ambulance was called when she got home to their apartment at Woodlake Drive. She immediately left work when she was informed of his condition, detectives said.

The boy was taken to Lakeland Regional Health where he was pronounced dead, officers said. The autopsy ruled his death a homicide by multiple blunt force trauma injuries. Jones was arrested on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child, according to officers.

Anyone with information related to the case should contact Detective Tammy Hathcock at 863-834-6975 or tammy.hathcock@lakelandgov.net. To remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida - call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477), dial **TIPS from your cell phone, visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip," or download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.

*In accordance with Marsy's Law, the Lakeland Police Department will not release the victim's name.