Overview

• Anthony Esposito Jr., 52, was arrested after allegedly beating his 12-year-old son, Anthony P. Esposito, to death with a baseball bat at their Branford home.
• Prosecutors say Esposito admitted to killing his son for being 'disrespectful' and attempted to kill his 16-year-old daughter, who managed to escape.
• Esposito has been charged with murder with special circumstances and attempted murder; his bond remains set at $3 million with protective orders in place.
• The suspect has a documented history of mental health struggles, with multiple hospitalizations, though his last was about 15 years ago.
• Branford Public Schools has deployed crisis teams and mental health professionals to support students and staff affected by the tragedy.