A Kentucky father has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the tragic death of his 1-month-old son, whom he fatally struck in a fit of rage after losing a video game. The incident, which occurred in May 2019, has shocked the community and highlighted the devastating consequences of unchecked anger.
On the evening of May 3, 2019, Anthony Trice, a 32-year-old father from Louisville, was at home with his infant son, De’Anthony Trice. Trice had been playing a video game in his bedroom when he became frustrated after losing. In a violent outburst, Trice threw his remote control, but his anger did not subside. He then punched his infant son in the head with a closed fist, a blow that would prove fatal.
After striking his son, De’Anthony began to cry uncontrollably. Trice, still in a rage, attempted to calm the baby and carried him into the kitchen. However, during this process, Trice dropped the child onto the floor. Despite this, he continued to show little regard for his son’s well-being. He picked up the infant, gave him a bottle, and returned to his bedroom. There, Trice propped the baby up in a seated position, using a blanket to hold the bottle in place. He then left the room to use the bathroom.
Upon returning, Trice noticed that his son appeared to be in distress. Realizing something was seriously wrong, he called 911. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and rushed De’Anthony to Norton Children’s Hospital, but despite their efforts, the infant succumbed to his injuries two days later.
Before authorities arrived, Trice had spoken to the child’s maternal grandmother, Tanjia Howlett, who later recounted their conversation. Trice reportedly told her that the baby had been “throwing up milk,” which led Howlett to question why the baby needed to go to the hospital for what she assumed was a choking incident. This phone call would later raise suspicions about Trice’s actions and the true cause of the infant’s condition.
Initially, Trice was charged with domestic violence murder and first-degree child abuse. However, in November 2024, he reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, entering an Alford plea to one count of first-degree manslaughter. An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain their innocence while acknowledging that there is enough evidence for a conviction. In exchange for his plea, the remaining charges were dropped.
At his sentencing, Trice was ordered to serve 20 years in a state correctional facility. His actions that night have left a community in shock and a family devastated by the loss of a young life. The case serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of violent outbursts and the profound impact they can have on those around us, especially vulnerable children.
The death of De’Anthony Trice has left a lasting impact on his family, who now must live with the painful memory of the loss of their beloved child. The case has also raised awareness about the importance of anger management and the need for accountability in situations involving child abuse. For De’Anthony’s family, the 20-year sentence is a small measure of justice, but it cannot undo the harm caused by that single, violent act.
