Hillsborough Sheriff Says Man Beat 8-Year-Old To Death With Belt

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has charged a man with first-degree murder in the beating death of an 8-year-old child.

On Thursday, Oct. 22, the child's mother called 911 asking for help because her child was struggling to breathe and had become unresponsive. The child was transported to Brandon Regional Hospital and then airlifted to John's Hopkins All Children's Hospital. Doctors discovered several large areas of contusions, welts, scarring and small lacerations on the child's lower back and rear area. Attempts to stabilize the child were unsuccessful and the 8-year-old died a day later.

During interviews, detectives learned the child's mother's boyfriend, Tyrone Covington, 40, of St. Petersburg had abused the victim with a belt. Autopsy results concluded the child's death was caused by blunt trauma and ruled it a homicide.

The sheriff's office issued a warrant for Covington's arrest and he was taken into custody Monday by the St. Petersburg Police Department. He's been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse.

"This was not merely a form of punishment. The excessive beating this child endured ultimately led to his death," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our hearts ache as we investigate this horrific case of child abuse. While no punishment will ever bring this young child back, we hope a first-degree murder charge keeps this man where he deserves to be: Jail."

Hillsborough Sheriff

Tyrone Covington