The Bristol man who murdered his infant son to death over a year ago will spend up to 30 years in state prison, it was announced Tuesday.
Tyler Sullivan, 31, pleaded guilty in May to third-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child before Common Pleas Judge Gary B. Gilman. In addition to sentencing Sullivan to 15-30 years in prison, Gilman ordered him to undergo mental health treatment.
The baby’s mother and the baby’s aunt both submitted victim impact statements that were read during Tuesday’s hearing. 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 she continues to have nightmares about that day. “My baby deserved to live a long, happy, wonderful life,” she said. The baby’s aunt, in her victim impact statement, said the baby’s killing left a “hole in our hearts that can never be filled. We will miss him forever, ” a press release from the Bucks County DA’s office said.
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Bristol Borough Police raced over to the 200 block of Radcliffe Street for a report of a infant in cardiac arrest on May 30.
When officers arrived, the baby was not breathing and was cold to the touch. Police officers administered CPR and the baby was transported to Lower Bucks Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:01 a.m. A doctor examined the baby, noting the baby suffered several injuries, including contusions, bruising, and abrasions throughout his body. The doctor noted that the injuries were indicative of a battered child. The doctor also said the baby was already deceased when he arrived at the hospital. The investigation concluded that Sullivan violently shook the baby on at least two occasions May 24, 2023, and at least six additional times in the six weeks prior. Before being sentenced, Sullivan gave a lengthy, tearful statement, admitting “how guilty and ashamed I am.” “There is no denying that this is a tragedy from start to finish,” Gilman said.
An outpouring of support, organized by Bristol’s Stephanie Scancella, showed up at the St Mark’s School parking lot for an emotional send off for the four-month-old infant who came to be known in the community as “Baby T.”
I just can’t imagine what the family is going through. We want the family to know we’re here for them and if they need anything just ask, she said holding a lit candle in hand at the vigil.
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R PA-1) also attended the vigil
I am here to show support for the family at this tragic moment, he said.
