ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County man was convicted of first-degree murder Thursday in the beating death of his 5-year-old son.
The defendant, Darell Avant Sr., kept his head down in court as the three guilty verdicts were read.
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Avant was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter and aggravated child abuse in connection with the death of his 5-year-old son, Darell Avant Jr.
Read: Father charged with first-degree murder in 5-year-old son's death
Prosecutors tried to emphasize to the jury that Avant Sr. tortured the young boy with abuse and prolonged punishment for misbehaving in school.
According to a report, the boy was found with bruises and contusions all over his body.
Defense attorneys argued Avant Sr. was a loving father who was distraught over his son's death.
Avant was found guilty on all three charges. The jury deliberated for about six hours.
Cox Media Group
