Police: Man charged in beating death of Floyd County toddler

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Adrian Mitchell, Sr. is struggling with the sudden loss of his only son. Adrian Jr., who was just 2 years old, died Sunday. The Cartersville father saw his son shortly before the toddler was taken off life support at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

"He had trauma brain and really bad brain swelling," the Cartersville father told FOX 5's Portia Bruner.

Floyd County Police charged 38-year-old Hassan Rashad with felony murder, aggravated battery, and aggravated assault.

According to police, officers were called to a home on Dodd Boulevard on Friday in regards to an unresponsive child. Police found the 2-year-old who had been "severely injured and suffered multiple internal injuries." Police said the 2-year-old later passed away as a result.

Police said Rashad was supposed to be caring for Adrian and the toddler's 5-year-old sister. Mr. Mitchell said Rashad is the boyfriend of the toddler's mother. Neighbors said Rashad, the toddler's mother, and the two children all lived in the Rome home.

“He used to stay here in Cartersville with my mother every day while I worked, but then one day she, [the toddler's mother,] came and picked him up. The last time I saw him was about 6 months ago when his leg was broken and he was in the hospital. That's when they had the first DFCS case," the 25-year-old Mitchell said.

Police said whatever happened to this child unfolded in front of the 5-year-old sister which is why Rashad was also charged with two counts of first-degree child cruelty.

Mr. Mitchell is just hoping for swift justice and wishing he could see his only child's sweet face again.

"I'll never get that back...that's something that's a part of me and I'll never get that back," the Cartersville man said.

DFCS spokesman Walter Jones told FOX 5’s Portia Bruner the state is aware of Mitchell's case, but said he couldn't immediately address prior cases involving Mitchell.