State v. Brown
Tennessee Supreme Court
836 S.W.2d 530 (1992)
- Written by Walter Machniki, JD
Facts
Brown (defendant) was the father of a child with severe speech problems and general global developmental delay. One night, a neighbor heard a fight between Brown and his wife that ended with a loud thump against one of their house’s walls. Hours later, Brown’s wife called for an ambulance, stating that their son had fallen down some stairs and was struggling to breath. Brown’s child was dead when the paramedics arrived. Posthumous exams showed that Brown’s child had suffered multiple skull fractures and brain swelling. At trial, a neurological surgeon testified that the child’s injuries were caused by severe shaking. Further exams showed that the child had various injuries that were consistent with child neglect and abuse. Brown was charged with and convicted of first-degree murder and child neglect for his role in his child’s death. Brown appealed to the state supreme court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Daughtrey, J.)
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