Pa. father sentenced for 'violently' shaking 4-month-old son multiple times, killing him

BRISTOL, Pa. (TCN) -- A 31-year-old man will spend up to three decades in state prison for charges related to the 2023 death of his infant son.

According to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office, a judge sentenced Tyler Sullivan on Tuesday, Aug. 27, to 15 to 30 years after he pleaded guilty three months ago to third-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child. Sullivan must also undergo mental health treatment.

On May 24, 2023, Bristol Borough Police responded to a home to a report of a baby in cardiac arrest, where they found an unresponsive 4-month-old child who was "cold to the touch." Officers attempted lifesaving measures, but the victim was transported to Lower Bucks Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. According to prosecutors, a physician determined the infant's "injuries were indicative of a battered child." The baby reportedly sustained multiple injuries, including contusions, bruising, and abrasions. The doctor also reportedly said the victim had already died by the time he arrived at the hospital.

Upon further investigation, the district attorney's office said authorities learned Sullivan "violently shook" his son on at least two occasions on the day he was found, as well as six other times in the weeks leading up to the baby's death.

At the sentencing hearing, Sullivan reportedly made a "lengthy, tearful statement," describing "how guilty and ashamed I am."

The baby's mother and aunt also made impact statements in court. According to prosecutors, "The mother said she was too traumatized and was never able to go back to the apartment she shared with Sullivan and their child." She said, "My baby deserved to live a long, happy, wonderful life."

The victim's aunt reportedly said her nephew's killing left a "hole in our hearts that can never be filled. We will miss him forever."

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