Clayton News Daily

A Morrow toddler has died from injuries he allegedly suffered when his father tied a belt around his neck and swung him "like a rag doll," according to warrants.

Ryan Russell Edwards, 34, is being held without bond in the Clayton County Jail on charges of aggravated battery and two counts of cruelty to children. The charges could be upgraded to murder.

Mikkah Brown, 1, died Monday night after being taken off life support at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Edwards told police he was baby-sitting while the baby's mother, Toni Brown, attended school and worked.

Arrest warrants filed in Clayton Magistrate Court allege that the baby's brother, Malakai Brown, 12, came downstairs Thursday between 10 p.m., and 11 p.m., for a drink of water and saw Edwards swinging the baby.

The older boy reportedly told police the child's feet were hitting the ceiling. He told police he wanted to call his mother at work, but Edwards had the phone.

When the baby began vomiting and acting drowsy into the next day, police said the couple took him to a satellite office of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. While in the waiting room, police said, Edwards "continuously" got in the way of personnel trying to help the baby.

Police said the baby suffered a skull fracture, subdural hemorrhage and bruises to his chest and ribs.

Edwards reportedly told police that he "wrestled and play-boxed" with the baby. He also said he wrapped the child in a blue blanket and slung him around the room.

–– Kathy Jefcoats