A Houston father angry with his young son because he wasn’t potty trained has been charged with capital murder for allegedly beating him so severely that he died of head injuries.
Anthony Trakemon Powell, 24, could face the death penalty for killing 3-year-old Tristan Powell, USA Today reports.
Prosecutors also plan on charging him with injuring the dead boy’s 2-year-old brother by beating and scalding him with hot water.
According to prosecutors, Powell picked up his two boys from their mother on Mother’s Day to stay with him in southeast Houston. Upset with their potty training progress, he allegedly beat them with his hands and a belt.
“I’m tired of beating their ass and them not learning,” Powell reportedly told his sister.
Tristan’s aunt, Prosha Nicole Land, was there to witness the abuse. She said that one day last week, Powell allegedly struck Tristan so hard the boy was knocked to the floor where he hit his head.
The next morning, Powell discovered his child had breathing problems and an ambulance was called.
“The defendant’s attitude was fairly nonchalant,” Spence said. “In fact, according to witnesses, he was counting his money as he was riding to the hospital in the ambulance.”
If he’s convicted, Powell could be sentenced to death.
Such sad news.
