Wisconsin Father Sentenced After Throwing 8-Month-Old Son Against Wall After Loss In Video Game
WISCONSIN — A Milwaukee father has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison after investigators say he threw his 8-month-old son against a wall during a violent burst of anger after losing a video game. The injuries left the infant with multiple skull fractures, internal bleeding, and lasting medical complications, according to court records released this week.
Father Admits Rage Attack After Losing NBA 2K Game
The incident occurred in November 2024 inside a Milwaukee residence where 22-year-old Jalin A. White was alone caring for his infant son. Prosecutors said White was playing NBA 2K when he became enraged after losing. During the outburst, he grabbed the baby and threw him against the wall, and then threw him onto a bed, causing catastrophic injuries.
White initially gave conflicting explanations to police about how the child was hurt. However, after further questioning and medical evidence, he admitted the assault, acknowledging he acted out of frustration during the video game.
Doctors Find Severe And Repeated Injuries
Medical staff at Children’s Wisconsin Hospital reported that the infant arrived in critical condition with injuries that were both new and healing, suggesting repeated trauma. Doctors documented:
- Skull fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Multiple broken ribs in different stages of healing
- A broken collarbone
- Extensive bruising across the baby’s body
Despite the severity, the child survived, though doctors told the court he will likely suffer long-term medical complications for the rest of his life. Prosecutors argued the extent of the injuries showed a pattern of abuse, not a single moment of rage.
Guilty Plea Leads To 12-Year Prison Sentence
White pleaded guilty to physical abuse of a child and child neglect, both felonies under Wisconsin law. During sentencing, the judge condemned the attack as “extreme harm done to a defenseless child” and emphasized the need to protect vulnerable infants from caregivers who lash out in anger.
The court sentenced White to 12 years in state prison, followed by seven years of extended supervision. The judge said the combination of violent behavior, dishonesty during the investigation, and the severity of the child’s injuries required a substantial punishment.
Child Recovering But Facing Lifelong Impact
Authorities confirmed the baby is now in a safe placement and continues to receive ongoing medical treatment. While the child is expected to survive, doctors testified that cognitive, physical, and developmental delays are highly likely because of the range of injuries. Child welfare officials described the case as an “extremely painful example of the dangers children face when left with unstable caregivers.”
The incident has sparked renewed discussions locally about stress management, parental mental health, and the risks posed to infants when frustration escalates into violence. Thank you for reading the Saluda Standard-Sentinel.
