A Bristol Borough father waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday morning and will head to trial accused of beating and shaking his four month infant son to death.
Tyler Sullivan 30 appeared in Bristol Borough District Court and waived his right to the hearing on charges of homicide, aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child and now heads to trial in Doylestown,
Borough Police alleged in court records Sullivan had shaken “Baby T.S” so violently it caused his death
According to the criminal complaint, police said, was not breathing, cold to the touch and the infant’s skin was blue with visible contusions to his forehead, neck and thigh.
A doctor pronounced the infant dead minutes after midnight May 25 and noted in medical records his injuries were indicative of a “battered child.”
Sullivan, according to the criminal complaint, admitted to “violently shaken” his four- month old son Wednesday.
Sullivan told police the bruising on his sons body came from bumping into a rocking chair. The infant boy’s mother said she had seen bruising that didn’t align with the version of events he told her.
Hours later a friend of “Baby T’s” Mother launched a Go Fund Me campaign to offset anticipated costs the family expected to face. In as little as three days more than $1000 was raised with 170 donations coming in.
The little boy’s death galvanized Bristolians the following night an candlelight vigil was held at St. Marks on Radcliffe Street organized by Stephanie Scancella. About 60 residents and first responders filled Radcliffe Street in support of Baby T.S.
Credit: Lower Bucks Source
I just can’t imagine what the family is going through, holding a lit candle in hand. We want the family to know we’re here for them and if they need anything just ask. she said.
Scancella had her own brush with family tragedy when a juvenile operating a vehicle slammed into a minivan with family members in it.
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA1) attended the vigil too/
I just wanted to show my support for the family in the most tragic of moments, he said, seeing the community come together like this in support is a beautiful thing.
The little boy’s mother was not charged but told investigator she had seen bruising that didn’t align with the version of events he told her. At that time Borough Police said the investigation was still open and active but would not confirm or deny they were looking at her as a suspect.
Sullivan’s next court appearance is August 25 in Doylestown at the Court of Common Pleas for his formal arraignment.
