A Kentucky man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Thursday for the brutal killing of his one-month-old son, who he punched in the head after losing a video game. Anthony Trice, 32, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in Jefferson Circuit Court, concluding a chilling case that exposed the horrifying extent of violence inflicted on the infant.
The night of violence
The tragic incident unfolded on May 3, 2019, in Louisville, Kentucky. Trice, left alone to care for his infant son, flew into a rage after losing a video game. In a fit of uncontrolled anger, he threw his controller across the room and then punched the baby in the head with his fist, causing devastating injuries.
As the child cried in distress, Trice attempted to prepare a bottle but dropped the infant during the process, further injuring him. Instead of seeking immediate medical help, he propped the baby up with a bottle in a bedroom and left to use the bathroom. By the time he returned, the infant was in severe distress. Trice called 911, and the baby was rushed to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
From criminal abuse to manslaughter
Initially charged with criminal abuse, Trice’s charges escalated to first-degree murder following the child’s death. Court records revealed the brutality of the attack, which left the baby fatally injured. Trice eventually entered an Alford plea to manslaughter, maintaining his innocence but conceding that evidence against him was sufficient for a conviction.
Family’s heartbreak
The baby’s family, devastated by the events, recalled their shock and disbelief. Speaking to WLKY, the child’s aunt shared that the baby had been left with Trice while the family attended Kentucky Derby weekend festivities. “We were talking about the clothes he got and what we were about to get him,” she said, still struggling to comprehend the violence that unfolded.
The child’s grandmother also expressed her outrage. “I’m mad,” she said. “I would have never thought this would happen to our family.”
