Trial begins for father accused in deadly son beating

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The trial of a man accused of beating a 5-year-old to death began Monday afternoon.

Deputies said the father, Darell Avant Sr., 31, punished his son for being suspended from school and made the boy exercise until he passed out. Investigators said an autopsy showed Darell Avant Jr. was beaten to death.

Avant faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter of a child and aggravated child abuse.

The trial is scheduled to last until Thursday.

Cox Media Group