A Virginia man accused of killing his 1-year-old son reportedly admitted that he “couldn’t take it anymore,” according to police.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Front Royal Police said they arrived at the home shortly in the 300 block of North Royal Avenue after 2:30 p.m. Police found emergency medical personnel preparing to take the toddler to Warren Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police continued their investigation and eventually brought in Nathaniel Lee Edmonds, 24, for questioning.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Northern Virginia Daily, the victim’s mother left for work, leaving Edmonds in charge. When she returned, she discovered her son unresponsive on his bed, while Edmonds had fled the scene.
A phone tracker located Edmonds in north Front Royal, where police found him walking along U.S. 522 North near Fairground Road, and detained him.
After being read his Miranda rights, Edmonds allegedly confessed to choking his son with both hands for several minutes because the child wasn’t listening, and he “couldn’t take it anymore.”
He also claimed he saw the boy foaming at the mouth, according to the affidavit.
“Edmonds was read his Miranda rights and confessed to choking his 1 year old, using both of his hands for minutes because the child was not listening and he couldn’t take it anymore,” the complaint read.
“Edmonds describes that this incident happened on the childs (sic) bed where he was ultimately found. Edmonds admitted to observing foam at the mouth of the child.”
Police have not released additional details, due to the “ongoing and sensitive nature of the case.” The victim’s name has not been released.
Court documents also revealed that prosecutors charged Edmonds with misdemeanor domestic assault and battery in July 2023. He’s scheduled for a court hearing next month.
Anyone with relevant details on the case is urged to contact Detective Z.S. Wallace at (540) 636-2208 or email him at zwallace@frontroyalva.com.
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[Featured image:Nathaniel Lee Edmonds/Front Royal Police Department]
