Abdulrahim Sulaiman, a Connecticut stepfather, has been arrested and charged after allegedly beating his partner’s 6-year-old son, Jathan Escobar, to death.
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More Details On Abdulrahim Sulaiman’s Charges
According to USA Today, Sulaiman has been charged with felony murder “with special circumstances,” along with violating probation. Per the outlet, the 38-year-old had a history of “violent felony convictions.”
Additionally, the Department of Children and Family reportedly “interacted” with the six-year-old, his younger brother, and the children’s mother two months before the child’s death.
USA Today reports that the 38-year-old remains in jail without bond. Furthermore, the outlet reports that he is expected to be arraigned on October 10.
More Details On The Alleged Beating Of The Connecticut Stepfather Against Jathan Escobar & His Family
According to the outlet, Sulaiman allegedly attacked his family at their apartment in Bridgeport on September 25. Police reportedly responded to a domestic violence call at 10 a.m.
“Please help us,” the children’s mother reportedly yelled to dispatchers. “He’s hitting us with a bat!”
Afterward, surveillance footage reportedly captured Sulaiman jumping out of a window “before swinging the bat around.” Subsequently, officers reportedly entered the apartment to find the mother, the 6-year-old, and the 4-year-old “suffering from life-threatening injuries sustained from… blunt force trauma.”
The mother and 4-year-old were reportedly stabilized at the hospital. Meanwhile, Jathan Escobar remained in critical condition. The child reportedly passed away after a week of treatment.
NBC Connecticut reports that before the child’s passing, he had been placed on life support. The outlet adds that the mother told authorities Sulaiman had allegedly been smoking angel dust before the attack. Additionally, she reportedly alleged he had been previously abusive.
Jathan Escobar Is Remembered By His Family As More Is Revealed About His Mother’s Relationship
According to the outlet, one of Jathan Escobar’s cousins remembered the 6-year-old as being “so happy with everybody.” Meanwhile, his aunt, Sandra, revealed that his parents had only been married “a couple of months.”
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched in memory of Jathan and amid the family’s fight for justice. As of Tuesday, October 8, the campaign has amassed over $14,000 of a $20,000 goal.
“…We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone for your unwavering support and donations for our nephews. Like any family, we were never prepared to face the heartbreaking reality of having to say goodbye to a beautiful, healthy 6-year-old boy. Now, we must gather our strength for Jathan as we seek justice for him and Eli. We will not rest until those who failed them are held accountable,” the campaign reads in part.
