TENNESSEE — An 18-year-old Tennessee father is charged with first-degree murder after allegedly killing his 3-month-old son during a moment of frustration.
Police say A. Dokes admitted to applying hard pressure to the baby’s chin and neck and pressing on his abdomen before calling for help. The infant, found unresponsive with visible jaw injuries, later died at a children’s hospital.
The incident happened around 8:00 p.m. on September 11 when officers were dispatched to an apartment on a report of an unresponsive infant. Officers found the boy with injuries to his jaw and rushed him to a children’s hospital. Despite emergency treatment, he was pronounced dead just after midnight.
Investigators determined Dokes was the only caregiver present. He was detained at the scene and later confessed during questioning that his actions caused the child to struggle to breathe.
Dokes was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the perpetration of aggravated child abuse, which indicates the fatal injuries occurred during another serious crime. He was booked into the county jail around 2 a.m. Friday, September 12, on a $1 million bond. An autopsy at the regional forensic center will determine the full extent of the child’s injuries and confirm the cause of death. Preliminary findings describe severe trauma consistent with his confession.
According to the arrest warrant, Dokes did not try to hide what happened. Investigators say the injuries matched the force he described. While no motive beyond frustration has been cited, prosecutors emphasize the father’s actions were intentional and fatal. Authorities report no history of prior abuse.
Dokes is scheduled for a bond hearing on Monday, September 15. If convicted, he faces life in prison. Under Tennessee law, the murder of a child during aggravated abuse is among the state’s most serious offenses, and prosecutors plan to pursue the case aggressively.
This case has shaken the community, underscoring the vulnerability of children and the devastating consequences of unchecked anger.
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