Dad admits killing 5-month-old son; blames the Bible (Dekalb County, Georgia)

Dad is identified as BENJAMIN EDETANLEN.

http://www.wsbradio.com/news/news/atlanta-blames-bible-killing-his-baby/nSZkg/

Posted: 6:04 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012

Atlanta man blames the Bible for killing his baby

By Chris Chandler

A metro father admits killing his five-month old son. But he blames the Bible!

A DeKalb County judge Wednesday sentenced Benjamin Edetanlen to 18 years in prison for beating his baby son to death in 2004.

The child suffered brain injuries and a broken leg, dying from blunt force trauma.

Prosecutors said he'd also beaten his two-year old daughter and another year-old son, claiming the Holy Bible justified the abuse, specifically Proverbs Chapter 13.

Edetanlen's lawyer Ingrid McGaughey says he loved the children, but, "Mr. Edetanlen firmly believed in the adage 'spare the rod, spoil the child.'"

He had faced a murder charge, but pleaded guilty to lesser charges of Involuntary Manslaughter and Child Cruelty.

Edetanlen's wife is also facing charges.