A 19-year-old Florida resident, Julien Welch-Beddoe, has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the fatal beating of his father, Francis Welch, 45. The incident, which took place on the night of January 19, reportedly began over a disagreement about a meal.
According to the arrest affidavit, the altercation started when Welch-Beddoe prepared a plate of food for himself. His father, who believed his son didn’t deserve the meal due to his unemployment, reportedly initiated a physical confrontation. Despite the disagreement, Welch-Beddoe continued with his meal and was allegedly pushed by his father as he was taking his food to his room.
The situation escalated when Welch-Beddoe reportedly put his father in a headlock and punched him several times in the ribs. The altercation continued on the floor, where Welch-Beddoe allegedly placed his father in a chokehold. Welch’s fiancee attempted to intervene and managed to separate the two. Following the altercation, Welch-Beddoe returned to his room.
Minutes later, Welch-Beddoe heard his father’s fiancee shouting, indicating that the situation was serious. Upon returning to the living room, Welch-Beddoe found his father unresponsive. The arrest affidavit detailed Welch’s condition, noting that he was breathing through his mouth and his complexion had turned pale. Medical assistance was immediately called.
Welch was rushed to Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on January 20. An autopsy later revealed that Welch had died from internal bleeding caused by a laceration from one of his three broken ribs, ruling the death a homicide.
Following the incident, Welch-Beddoe ceased cooperation with the police and requested legal representation. He was subsequently charged with manslaughter and arrested on February 5. He is currently being held at the Brevard County Jail on a $50,000 bond, with his next court appearance scheduled for March 25.