A tragic incident has occurred in Connecticut, where a young boy lost his life following a brutal attack by his stepfather, who was reportedly under the influence. The assault also involved the boy’s mother and younger brother, raising serious concerns about safety and well-being in the home.
Abdulrahim Sulaiman, 38, faces serious charges, including murder, in connection with the tragic death of young Jathan Escobar, who succumbed after a week in critical condition at the hospital, as reported by the Bridgeport Police Department.
A 33-year-old woman, who had just tied the knot with Sulaimen, reportedly dialed 911 from their residence on September 25, crying out for assistance: “Please help us!”
Shortly after, security footage captured Sulaiman — reportedly under the influence of a certain substance — leaping from an upper window and crashing headfirst into a dumpster, subsequently brandishing a bat, according to the report.
Upon the arrival of law enforcement, Sulaiman was found with blood smeared across his hands and arms, appearing to be “muttering to himself,” according to police reports. He was subsequently apprehended.
Inside the apartment, the mother was discovered bleeding from a wound near her eye as she clung to Jathan, who was also bleeding heavily and had visible brain matter from a severe injury on the top of his head, as detailed in the report.
Jathan’s younger brother, just 4 years old, sustained serious injuries as well. The two boys and their mother were quickly taken to nearby hospitals, and later, the boys were airlifted by helicopter to the pediatric emergency center at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven.
Jathan passed away from his injuries last Wednesday. Authorities later reported that his younger brother’s condition has improved to stable.
The mother of the children informed authorities that Sulaiman had been using a substance known as “angel dust,” according to NBC Connecticut. She informed the authorities that he had previously made threats to take her life and that of her children using a firearm.
Sulaiman’s extensive criminal record includes multiple violent felonies, according to the reports. State officials confirmed to USA TODAY that the Department of Children and Family in Connecticut had engaged with the victims only two months before the boy’s tragic death.
Sulaiman is set to appear in court again on October 10.
He remains in custody with a bond set at $10 million and is currently under suicide watch.