Jury Convicts Antonio First of Child Abuse and Murder in Death of Two-Year-Old Son

Shelby County, TN—  After just one hour of deliberation, the jury delivered guilty verdicts on Friday against Antonio First for Aggravated Child Abuse, Murder in the Perpetration of Aggravated Child Abuse, Aggravated Child Neglect, and Murder in the Perpetration of Aggravated Child Neglect.

The charges stem from the tragic death of First’s two-year-old son Brayton Brooks, who was found unresponsive and cold to the touch by paramedics on June 24, 2020. The child, who had been visiting his father for Father's Day, exhibited extensive bruising on his face, arms, legs, and abdominal area, along with ligature marks on his neck.

First called 911 after Brayton became unresponsive. Brayton was declared dead shortly after arriving at Lebonheur Children's Hospital. An autopsy revealed Brayton had suffered multiple areas of subdural and subgaleal hemorrhage in his head, a lacerated liver, and hemorrhage and perforation in his large and small intestines. Medical examiners concluded that Brayton, who weighed just 34 pounds, had been struck at least 24 times across his body.

Initially, Mr. First claimed that Brayton choked on cookies. He later shifted his story, blaming Brayton's mother, then the dogs, and finally his ten-year-old son, before ultimately admitting to striking Brayton multiple times with a closed fist and a sandal. The violence was purportedly in response to Brayton knocking over a WiFi box. Despite Brayton's immediate struggle to breathe, First waited over two hours before calling paramedics.

The five-day trial included testimony from 11 witnesses, presentation of 105 exhibits, and input from three expert witnesses.

"It was difficult material to review and show the jury, but we had to do it for Brayton,” said Chief Prosecutor Eric Christensen, who handled the case along with Chief Prosecutor Devon Dennis. “What Antonio First did to him absolutely had to be punished to the fullest extent of the law, and we are proud to have accomplished that and achieved justice for Brayton, his mother, and his grandmother.”

ADA Dennis echoed ADA Christensen’s sentiments. “This was a huge conviction for the State and the reason that we all work into the nights and weekends is to get just for victims just like two-year-old Brayton Brooks who suffered a terrible, slow and painful death.”

First has received a life sentence for the murders. Sentencing for the abuse and neglect charges is scheduled for June 27.