First-Degree Murder Charges Tied to Aggravated Child Abuse

 Posted on September 16, 2025 in Criminal Defense

A young man was recently charged with first-degree murder caused by aggravated child abuse after the death of his three-month-old son. The child, who sustained multiple severe injuries, passed away at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. The father was alone with the child at the time; however, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Few criminal charges carry as much weight or the stigma as first-degree murder resulting from aggravated child abuse. In cases like this, the prosecutor will argue that the abuse was so severe that it either directly caused the death of the child or created circumstances that led to the death. Unlike "typical" murder cases, charges like this combine elements of child protection laws with the harshest penalties in the state, usually reserved for intentional or reckless acts.

Cases that involve children also bring harsh judgment from communities, and even friends and family members, before you have even had the chance to prove your innocence. If you or a loved one is facing such severe charges, you must speak to a highly skilled Farragut, IL criminal defense lawyer. Your attorney will thoroughly review all the evidence and facts of the case, then begin building a solid defense on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.  

What is First Degree Murder in Perpetuation of Aggravated Child Abuse?

The state of Tennessee defines this criminal offense under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-202(a)(2). This offense falls under the state’s felony murder rule, meaning that a person can be convicted of first-degree murder if the killing occurs while the person is committing or trying to commit an underlying felony. Aggravated child abuse is listed as one of those felonies, and while the state requires the intent to commit the underlying felony, it does not require the intent to kill.

Aggravated child abuse includes the following acts perpetrated against a child under the age of 8:

• Severe physical injury as a result of abuse
• Severe emotional or mental abuse
• Neglect to the point that it causes severe physical, mental, or emotional injury or death.
• Abandonment that results in serious physical, mental, or emotional injury.

Aggravated child abuse differs from "regular" child abuse based on the severity of harm caused to the child. Simple child abuse involves actions that harm the health and safety of a child but do not necessarily cause severe mental or physical injury. Aggravated child abuse is a felony in Tennessee, while "regular" child abuse can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony.

Penalties for Aggravated Child Abuse and Aggravated Child Abuse Resulting in Death

If the child is eight years old or younger, aggravated child abuse is charged as a Class A felony, with a potential sentence of 15 to 60 years in prison. If the child is older than eight years old, aggravated child abuse could be charged as a Class B felony, with a potential sentence of eight to 30 years in prison.

If death results from the aggravated child abuse, the "standard" sentence is life in prison. Tennessee law allows for the death penalty in cases where a child under the age of 12 is a victim of homicide. The prosecution must show that aggravated child abuse occurred and that the abuse was the direct or proximate cause of the child’s death. The age of the child and the severity of the abuse are considered aggravating factors.  

Contact a Knox County, TN Violent Crimes Lawyer

Your attorney may be able to challenge the cause of death, question whether the actions legally rose to the level of aggravated abuse, or show that another person was responsible. If you are facing such serious charges, you must consult with an experienced Farragut, TN criminal defense attorney from The Baker Law Firm.

The stakes in cases like this could not be higher. Attorney Baker will aggressively defend your charges, whether you are entirely innocent or there were mitigating circumstances. To schedule your free consultation, call 865-200-4117.