GREENBELT, Md. - The father accused of killing his 3-month-old son and burying him in shallow grave has been indicted on murder charges.
32-year-old Antoine Petty is accused of killing the infant in a crime that allegedly began in September 21.
Police say Antoine took the baby, Antione Petty Jr., outside onto a balcony at their Greenbelt apartment and punched him several times in an attempt to stop him from crying. Documents say Antoine then took the baby back inside of the apartment and struck the child several more time with a closed fist until the infant was unresponsive and had blood coming from his nose and mouth.
Authorities say the baby, who at this time was struggling to breath, was placed into a vehicle parked outside of the apartment complex and left there for over 24-hours.
On the following day, documents say both Antoine, and the infant's mother 24-year-old Geneice Petty, drove the vehicle to the rear of Parkdale High School in Riverdale, Md. where they buried the baby in a shallow grave.
The baby was reported missing by the parents on Monday. On October 19, the court documents say, both Antoine and Geneice were interviewed by investigators about their missing child. It was at this time police say both admitted to their involvement in the baby's death.
Investigators then went to the area near the school and located the body of 3-month-old Antione Petty Jr.
Charging documents for a father accused of killing his 3-month son after first reporting him missing say the man beat the infant and left him, unresponsive, in a car for over 24 hours before burying him in a shallow grave behind a nearby high school.
Antoine Petty has been charged with first-and second-degree murder as well as other related charges. Geneice Petty has been charged with accessory after the fact.