Anthony Andrew Esposito Jr Arrested; – A local man faces charges for the alleged murder of his 12-year-old son and the attempted murder of his 16-year-old daughter, as stated by a prosecutor during his initial court appearance on Friday.
Anthony Andrew Esposito Jr. is charged with murder under special circumstances and attempted murder, with bail set at $3 million following his arrest on Thursday. Police have identified the deceased son as Anthony P. Esposito. During the arraignment in state Superior Court in New Haven, Judge Arthur C. Hadden maintained the bail amount, referencing the ‘horrendous nature of the allegations’ and the possibility of a life sentence without parole if convicted.
Esposito, 52, appeared in court handcuffed and wearing a white prison jumpsuit, flanked by approximately 10 to 12 judicial marshals. Branford First Selectman James Cosgrove expressed the town’s deep sorrow over the tragic incident, stating, ‘It’s heartbreaking and makes absolutely no sense. As a parent, it’s painful to consider the loss of this child and the suffering of the family.’ He urged the community to keep the victim’s family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
Margaret I. Castinado, Esposito’s public defender, noted his long-standing mental health issues, mentioning that he had previously been in a mental health facility but had not received medication since his release. She also revealed that his mother had recently died by suicide. Castinado requested a reduction of Esposito’s bail to $1 million, as recommended by the bail commissioner, but the judge denied this request. Hadden also issued a no-contact protective order, though it was unclear who the order was intended to protect against Esposito.
