ROME, Ga. - It's been roughly a week since police believe a man killed a local toddler. Now we're learning more about the 2-year-old who died and the crime that took his life.
It all began as a call of an unresponsive 2-year-old on April 13 but became something more sinister as police gathered more details. During the investigation, they learned that the victim, later identified as young Adrian Mitchell, and a 5-year-old child were left in the care of 38-year-old Hassan Rashad.
A report now released to 11Alive shows that Adrian, known as "Tank" by his family, had received internal injuries. Rashad was arrested on charges ranging from aggravated assault and aggravated battery to cruelty to children in the first degree.
A report now released to 11Alive shows that Adrian, known as "Tank" by his family, had received internal injuries. Rashad was arrested on charges ranging from aggravated assault and aggravated battery to cruelty to children in the first degree.
Two days later, the 2-year-old boy died at Floyd Medical Center leading to felony murder charges. Rashad is now being held without bond. His case has been transferred over to the Floyd County Superior Court.
If the child’s death isn’t tragic enough, investigators say the brutal beating leading up to his death happened in front of a five-year-old.
“Our kids used to play together,” said Latalia Thompson, who took a picture of Adrian Mitchell for Halloween, just months before his death. “It’s really hard on us. We’re really going to miss him.
“He was a bright kid, a smart kid and lovable. We’re just praying for the family.”
11Alive had been told that the Department of Family and Children’s Services has had some involvement with the family in the past, including the questioning of a leg injury the child allegedly suffered last year.
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