VILLA RICA, Ga. (AP) — The son of a police chief in Georgia has been charged with murder in the beating death of his 3-year-old stepson.
Villa Rica Police Capt. Keith Shaddix tells news outlets that Brentley Gore died Sunday afternoon, following his Tuesday hospitalization for multiple skull fractures. Police had determined 21-year-old Joshua David Richards caused the injuries to the child. Investigators believe Richards used a belt to beat the boy.
Richards was jailed Tuesday on aggravated assault, aggravated battery, first-degree cruelty to children and possession of marijuana. Shaddix said murder charges were expected Monday, and online records listed the murder charge.
Richards is the son of Carrollton Police Chief Josh Richards. It's unclear whether he has a lawyer.
He's being held in Carroll County Jail without bond.