An Oklahoma man is in custody following the tragic death of his infant son, who was admitted to the hospital with a severely damaged skull. Tyrice Antione Williams, 24, is facing a first-degree murder charge due to child abuse, as reported by the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to this, prosecutors have initiated an “application to accelerate,” a legal procedure in Oklahoma that alleges a defendant has violated the conditions of a previously deferred criminal sentence.
The incident came to light when police responded to a domestic violence call at the Eagle Pointe Apartments in the Charter Oak neighborhood of south Tulsa. Upon arrival, officers found a one-month-old baby boy in cardiac arrest, requiring immediate medical intervention.
The infant was rushed to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, he could not survive his injuries. Medical professionals found that the child had suffered multiple fractures, including a broken right femur, right humerus, left clavicle, and left arm. He also had a right pneumothorax, a skull fracture, and a deformed skull. According to the doctors, all injuries seemed to be trauma-induced.
Williams, when questioned about the incident, reportedly told investigators that he was pushed down the stairs by another individual at the apartment complex while he was holding the child. However, police believe the incident took place inside the apartment.
Evidence from a doorbell camera near the apartment contradicted Williams’ account of the incident. The footage showed the person Williams accused of pushing him leaving the residence, along with the baby’s mother. The same camera captured Williams leaving the apartment with an empty liquor bottle and later reentering alone. The audio from the camera recorded Williams talking to the infant, followed by seven loud thuds.
During the investigation, police interviewed multiple neighbors and witnesses. Williams was arrested without incident on Tuesday after charges were filed by the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office. The identity of the child has not been disclosed.
In February 2024, Williams was charged with one felony count of domestic assault and battery by strangulation. The charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor domestic assault and battery in March 2024, and sentencing was deferred. Williams is currently being held in the Tulsa County Jail without bond and is scheduled for arraignment on Friday.