Andre Brown Jr., a 33-year-old man from Florida, has been charged with aggravated child abuse, a life felony enhanced as a hate crime, after allegedly brutally beating a 5-year-old boy because he believed the child was homosexual. Authorities say Brown admitted to trying to “beat the gay out of him” during the violent attack.
The Attack and Investigation
The investigation began when a 9-year-old girl in Brown’s care contacted her mother to report that the 5-year-old boy was being abused. She sent a text message that read, “I’m scared, he’s whooping him so hard, I’m scared.” When authorities interviewed the children, they revealed that the abuse had been escalating. Deputies stated that Brown became enraged when he believed the 5-year-old boy was gay, which led to him slamming the child on the ground multiple times.
Brown then allegedly directed his anger toward two other children in the home, using a belt to strike all three children. Deputies found visible injuries on all three children when they arrived at the scene. The 5-year-old victim suffered the most severe injuries, including bruising on his legs, arms, back, and stomach, as well as a fractured right wrist and a contusion on his forehead. The other children also had bruises on their arms and legs.
Brown’s Admission and Hate Crime Classification
During the investigation, Brown admitted to targeting the child because he believed the boy was gay. Brown reportedly told deputies, “I decided to whoop the victim because the victim was gay” and claimed that he would “beat the gay out of him if possible”, but when that wasn’t successful, he said he would just beat him more.
Authorities determined that the crime met the criteria for a hate crime due to Brown’s actions being motivated by the child’s alleged sexual orientation. As a result, the severity of the charge was enhanced, and Brown was charged with a hate crime.
Resisting Arrest and Criminal History
When deputies attempted to arrest Brown, he reportedly resisted arrest, pulling away and becoming agitated. Even after being placed in handcuffs, he allegedly continued to yell slurs.
Brown has an extensive criminal history, including prior convictions for violent offenses such as aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, kidnapping with intent to commit a felony, home invasion robbery with a firearm, and domestic battery by strangulation, among numerous other charges.
Sheriff’s Statement and Legal Proceedings
Sheriff Grady Judd expressed outrage at the brutal nature of the crime, stating, “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.”
Andre Brown Jr. is currently being held at the Polk County Jail. Authorities have not yet confirmed when he will appear in court.
