Florida man charged after allegedly trying to ‘beat the gay out of’ five-year-old boy
Andre Brown Jr. was arrested on Sunday (3 May) in Davenport following an investigation by the Polk County Sheriff's Office
By Callum Wells
A Florida man has been charged after deputies say he assaulted a five-year-old boy “for being gay.”
Andre Brown Jr. was arrested on Sunday (3 May) in Davenport following an investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He faces a charge of aggravated child abuse, with authorities stating the case is being treated as a hate crime.
The inquiry began when a nine-year-old girl, who had been in Brown’s care, contacted her mother to report what was happening. In a message cited by investigators, she wrote: “I’m scared, he’s whooping him so hard, I’m scared.”
Medical findings indicate the five-year-old sustained a fractured wrist, bruising across his legs, arms, back and stomach, and a contusion to his forehead
Deputies say the children described Brown becoming angry with the 5-year-old and repeatedly slamming him onto the ground. They allege he then struck all three children in the home with a belt.
According to arrest details, Brown told deputies he tried to “beat the gay out of him if possible, but since it wasn’t possible he would beat him more.”
Medical findings outlined by authorities indicate the five-year-old sustained the most serious injuries. These included a fractured wrist, bruising across his legs, arms, back and stomach, and a contusion to his forehead. Deputies said marks on his body were consistent with being hit by a belt. The other two children were also found to have bruising to their arms and legs.
The sheriff’s office has not confirmed why Brown was supervising the children or whether they are related to him. The five-year-old told investigators he was afraid and did not want to speak in detail about what had happened.
What police say happened during arrest of Florida suspect
When officers attempted to detain him, Brown allegedly pulled away and shouted slurs, according to deputies. He was additionally charged with resisting arrest.
In a statement, Grady Judd said: “This was a brutal and hateful attack on a defenseless child. There is absolutely no excuse for it. We will make sure justice is served and these children get the safety and support they deserve.”
Authorities also said Brown has a prior criminal record, including offences involving violence and weapons. He remains in custody at the Polk County Jail.