A Wisconsin man who admitted to severely injuring his 8-month-old son during a moment of frustration while playing a video game has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Jalin White, 22, pleaded guilty to charges of physical abuse of a child resulting in great bodily harm, as well as child neglect causing great bodily harm, according to the Milwaukee County Prosecutor’s Office. In addition to his prison sentence, White will face seven years of extended supervision following his release.
White’s defense attorney, Annette Rauch, described the case as deeply tragic, saying her client has accepted responsibility for his actions and expressed remorse to his family and the child’s mother. She said he hopes to eventually reenter society as a better person after serving his sentence.
Milwaukee police were called to a local hospital on Nov. 5, 2024, after medical staff reported suspected child abuse. Investigators found that White’s infant son had suffered multiple serious injuries, including a skull fracture, six fractured ribs in various stages of healing, and a healing fracture of the left clavicle.
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Authorities determined that White was caring for the child at the time while the boy’s mother was away. During the investigation, White allegedly gave conflicting accounts of how the injuries occurred, at times claiming the child was accidentally injured by his mother or fell during a diaper change.
According to the criminal complaint, White later admitted that he picked up his son while playing a competitive game of NBA 2K in an attempt to calm him. While losing late in the game, White became frustrated.
The complaint states that White, who was down by two points in the fourth quarter, threw his son against a wall in anger. The child struck the wall and then landed face-first on a bed.
During sentencing, White addressed the court, saying his intention was never to harm his son and that events unfolded too quickly. He told the judge he wanted to take full accountability for his actions, according to Fox 6.
Prosecutors said the child now suffers from vision problems and requires a feeding tube. During the hearing, prosecutor Matthew Torbenson emphasized the severity of the crime, noting that the victim was among the most vulnerable members of the community and was harmed by the very person legally responsible for his care and protection.
