Bridgeport, Conn. – A local man is facing serious charges after allegedly attacking his wife and her two children, one of whom, a 6-year-old boy, is now reportedly brain dead and on life support. The violent incident, which unfolded on September 23, has left the community reeling.
Authorities arrested 38-year-old Abdulrahim Sulaiman, who has been charged with multiple counts including attempted murder, first-degree assault, and risk of injury to a child. After a distressing emergency call early that morning, police arrived to find a chaotic scene, with the victim’s mother and siblings severely wounded.
The youngest victim, Jathan Escobar, has sustained critical injuries to his head, said to have rendered him brain dead. Jathan’s cousin, Sasha Heron, reflected on the heartbreak, noting his previously cheerful nature and expressing hope against the grim prognosis.
The caller, the boys’ mother, reported that Sulaiman had assaulted them using a bat. Responding officers found Sulaiman shortly after the attack, appearing disoriented with blood-stained hands, and took him into immediate custody.
Upon entering their apartment, authorities described a distressing scene where they found the children’s mother clutching Jathan, who was bleeding profusely from his head. Emergency services were quick to intervene, yet despite their efforts, the outlook for the young boy was bleak.
Both children were rushed to medical facilities for urgent care. While Jathan’s younger brother, age 4, was later transferred to Yale New Haven Hospital and stabilized, the district attorney’s office has indicated that Jathan’s chances of recovery are unlikely.
Sulaiman, who holds a prior felony conviction, was also charged after the incident with assaulting a judicial marshal and spitting blood on another officer. He is currently being held on a $10 million bond.
Amid this tragedy, the family faces mounting medical bills. An online fundraiser was started by the boys’ aunt to help cover these sudden expenses, highlighting the family’s devastating situation and their clinging to hope for Jathan’s survival.
The local government has acknowledged the severity of the incident, with Tiadora Josef, the City of Bridgeport’s Director of Public Information, confirming Jathan’s critical state. Meanwhile, Sulaiman’s lawyer has yet to make a statement regarding the ongoing case.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community and the victims’ family are left grappling with the shock of the event and the dire ramifications it has wrought on the young lives involved.