NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A man is charged with criminal homicide in the death of a 2-year-old child in Nashville.
According to his arrest affidavit, 33-year-old Rozelle Westmoreland was booked into jail late Tuesday night. He's being held without bond.
Investigators said last Friday, both Metro Police and Nashville Fire Department were called to help with a 2-year-old boy who was unconscious at a home on North 2nd Street in the McFerrin Park neighborhood. The child was taken to Monroe Carell, Junior Children's Hospital, where he died.
Doctors told Metro police the toddler had significant injuries, including two skull fractures, nine rib fractures, and severe internal injuries like a lacerated liver and lung. Doctors informed police the child's death was a result of those injuries, according to the arrest report.
Investigators said Westmoreland was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant Tuesday night. During an interview, Westmoreland reportedly admitted to beating the child.
According to his arrest report, Westmoreland told police he became angry because the child was whining.
The suspect admitted to police to "numerous strikes to the juvenile victim's head, torso, and admitted to forcefully pushing the child into the side of a bathtub."
Westmoreland told police he proceeded to pick up the child, dress him, and place him in bed. He then left the home, despite noticing that the boy's breathing was labored, according to the police report.
Court records show Westmoreland was on probation for an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon conviction in 2016. In addition to being held in jail on the criminal homicide charge, Westmoreland is also charged with violating probation.
Westmore is due in court on Thursday, October 15th.
