Andre Brown Jr., a 33-year-old man in Florida, faces charges of aggravated child abuse enhanced as a hate crime after allegedly beating a 5-year-old boy he believed was gay. The attack occurred over the weekend, leaving the child with severe injuries including a fractured wrist. Authorities say Brown admitted he aimed to 'beat the gay out of him.'
Polk County deputies arrested Andre Brown Jr. over the weekend following a report from a 9-year-old girl in his care. She texted her mother, stating, 'I'm scared, he's whooping him so hard, I'm scared.' Investigators found visible injuries on three children, with the 5-year-old suffering the worst: bruising across his body, a fractured right wrist, and a forehead contusion. The other children had bruising on their arms and legs. Brown allegedly slammed the boy on the ground multiple times for 'being gay' and struck all three with a belt over a prior incident. The youngest victim appeared terrified and told deputies he feared Brown. During questioning, Brown confessed, saying he decided to whoop the victim because he was gay and that he would 'beat the gay out of him if possible, but since it wasn't possible he would beat him more.' The charge of aggravated child abuse, a life felony, was enhanced as a hate crime due to the motive. Brown resisted arrest, yelling slurs even after being handcuffed. 'This was a brutal and hateful attack on a defenseless child. There is absolutely no excuse for it,' Sheriff Grady Judd said. He added that the children deserve safety and support. Brown has a history of violent crimes, including aggravated battery, kidnapping, and robbery. He remains in Polk County Jail, with no court date announced.