Connecticut
6-year-old dies after stepfather allegedly beat him with baseball bat
Police in southeast Connecticut are investigating after a man allegedly fatally beat his 6-year-old stepson with a baseball bat in what detectives are calling a brutal domestic violence attack on the boy, his younger brother and their mother.
Abdulrahim Sulaiman, 38, was arrested on charges including felony murder with special circumstances and violating probation in connection to the killing of Jathan Escobar, who the Bridgeport Police Department reported died as a result of injuries suffered in the Sept. 25 assault.
The attack took place at his family’s Bridgeport apartment in a residential neighborhood about 20 miles southwest of New Haven, north of Long Island, New York.
On Wednesday, police announced the boy died at a hospital after being in critical condition for one week.
The suspect had a criminal history which included violent felony convictions, court documents show. The Department of Children and Family had interacted with the victims about two months prior to the boy’s death, state officials confirmed to USA TODAY.
“The Bridgeport Police Department’s thoughts and prayers are with his entire family and friends,” the agency posted in a news release.
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Boy, sibling and mother all suffered life-threatening injuries from blunt force trauma
On the day of the attack, police wrote in the release, officers responded at 10 a.m. to an apartment building in the city for a report of a domestic violence call.
“Please help us,” the boy’s mother yelled to a dispatcher after dialing 911, according to an incident report obtained by People. “He’s hitting us with a bat!” Not long after, the report continues, surveillance video captured the suspect “jumping out of an upper window and landing headfirst into a garbage dumpster before swinging the bat around.”
At the scene, witnesses directed officers towards a man walking away from the area of the assault, police wrote, and detained the suspect. Additional officers entered the building and found a 33-year-old woman and her two children, 4 and 6, all suffering from life-threatening injuries sustained from what they said was blunt force trauma.
Officers began life saving procedures and responding medical personnel transported the victims to area hospitals. The mother and her children all in critical condition when they arrived at the hospital, police said. The condition of the woman and her 4-year-old child were later upgraded to stable.
A preliminary investigation by detectives found the woman and her children were “brutally assaulted” by the suspect detained outside the apartment. Police identified the suspect as Sulaiman and said the victims knew their alleged attacker.
At the scene, police arrested Sulaiman on multiple charges including attempted murder and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Prosecutors upgraded one of the attempted murder charges after the boy died.
Sulaiman, who police said lives in Bridgeport, was arraigned Sept. 26 at Bridgeport Superior Court. On Monday he remained jailed without bond.
Court records show his case is being handled by the public defender’s office.
“Mr. Sulaiman will be arraigned on Thursday, October 10th, over the next few months all of the evidence will be reviewed by myself and Mr. Sulaiman,” Bridgeport Judicial District Public Defender James J. Pastore told USA TODAY Monday. “Afterward, we will decide how to proceed with the case. At this point, Mr. Sulaiman is cloaked with the presumption of innocence.”
‘He was always so happy’
The boy’s cousin, Sasha Heron, said Jathan was on a ventilator prior to his death, WFSB-TV reported last week.
“He was always so happy and he just enjoyed life altogether,” Heron told the outlet. “No matter what was going on, he was always so happy with everybody.”
Jathan’s aunt, Sandra Escobar, also told the outlet Jathan’s mother said the suspect threatened to kill her and the children and the family had reported the abuse to authorities. The family said Jathan’s mother and Sulaiman had only been married “a couple of months.”
“Today, my sweet 6-year-old nephew made his final journey as he gives the ultimate gift of life through organ donation,” Jathan’s aunt Anna Escobar wrote in a fundraiser she created to help the family with funeral and medical expenses. “After suffering unimaginable pain and losing his life due to a brutal and senseless act, he leaves behind a legacy of hope for others. His heart, full of love, will beat on, and his light will continue to shine through the lives he saves.”
As of Monday more than 300 people had raised about $14,000 to help the family.
“Though we are shattered, we honor his strength, innocence, and the selfless act that will help others live,” the boy’s aunt wrote. “We will not rest until those who failed them are held accountable.”
USA TODAY has reached out to Jathan’s family.
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‘Shocking and horrendous incident’ remains under investigation
On Friday, Bridgeport Superior Court records show, police also issued a warrant for Sulaiman’s arrest on a charge he violated probation in connection to an October 2021 assault. He pleaded guilty to charges of assault on a public safety officer, risk of injury to a child and violation of a protective order in September 2022, the records show and was sentenced to two years in prison followed by four years of probation.
Connecticut Department of Child and Family Services Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly told USA TODAY the agency is conducting a joint investigation with the Bridgeport Police Department after being notified of the boy’s killing.
“This shocking and horrendous incident once again draws attention to the escalation of domestic violence in our communities and the traumatic impact it has on children,” the commissioner released in a statement following the boy’s death. “Our sincere condolences are with this little boy’s family who now grieve his loss, as well as his friends, classmates and others who knew and interacted with him.”
“At the time of the incident, the department was not involved with the mother and children but had interacted with them approximately two months prior to the report being received,” Hill-Lilly said.
The commissioner said she could not comment further on the investigation as the case remains active and open.
If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence call The National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit www.thehotline.org. Callers can remain anonymous.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
Connecticut
Ten people displaced after Bridgeport fire
Ten people are displaced after a fire broke out at the 400 block of Washington Avenue in Bridgeport.
At around 5:30 p.m., the Bridgeport Fire Department responded to a fire alarm.
Upon arrival, firefighters located heavy smoke conditions after the fire was extinguished in one unit by the sprinkler system.
Nine units were affected, displacing ten people.
There were no reported injuries.
The American Red Cross is working to help those who were displaced.
Connecticut
CT Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 3, 2026
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Connecticut Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.
Those who want to play in Connecticut can enter the CT Lotto, Lucky for Life and Cash 5 games as well as play the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. There are also two drawings a day for the Play 3 with Wild Ball and Play 4 with Wild Ball games.
Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule. Here’s a look at Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
18-21-40-53-60, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
01-02-28-30-43, Lucky Ball: 07
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 5 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
12-13-16-20-32
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Play3 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
Day: 5-3-3, WB: 7
Night: 1-8-1, WB: 9
Check Play3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Play4 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
Day: 3-5-9-4, WB: 4
Night: 7-0-2-6, WB: 4
Check Play4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Connecticut Lottery prizes up to $599 can be easily claimed at any authorized CT Lottery Retailer without additional forms or documentation or by mail. For prizes between $600 and $5,000, winners have the option to claim by mail or in person at any CT Lottery High-Tier Claim Center or CT Lottery Headquarters. For prizes between $5,001 and $49,999, winnings must be claimed in person at the Connecticut Lottery headquarters or by mail. All prizes over $50,000 must be claimed in person at CT Lottery Headquarters. Winners are required to bring a government-issued photo ID and their Social Security card.
CT Lottery Claims Dept.
15 Sterling Drive
Wallingford, CT 06492
For additional details, including locations of High-Tier Claim Centers, visit the Connecticut Lottery’s claim information page.
When are the Connecticut Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. daily.
- Lotto: 10:38 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
- Cash 5: 10:29 p.m. daily.
- Play3 Day: 1:57 p.m. daily.
- Play3 Night: 10:29 p.m. daily.
- Play4 Day: 1:57 p.m. daily.
- Play4 Night: 10:29 p.m. daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Connecticut editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Connecticut
Connecticut leaders react to capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — The United States military carried out “large scale” strike inside Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday morning, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, according to President Donald Trump.
Leaders in Connecticut are responding to the military action.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) shared the following statement.
“If we’re starting another endless war, with no clear national security strategy or need, count me out. Maduro is a cruel criminal dictator, but President Trump has never sought approval from Congress for war as the Constitution requires – and our military deserves. We’ve seen several Administrations lead us into conflicts without objectives or timelines and with disastrous consequences. President Trump has also articulated no clear end game to prevent further chaos, violence, and bloodshed in Venezuela. The American people deserve—and Congress should demand—facts and clarity.”
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) called the strike the start of an “illegal war” between the U.S. and Venezuela.
“President Trump thinks he is above the law. He steals from taxpayers. He thumbs his nose at the law. And now, he is starting an illegal war with Venezuela that Americans didn’t ask for and has nothing to do with our security. How does going to war in South America help regular Americans who are struggling? How does this do anything about drugs entering the U.S. when Venezuela produces no fentanyl? What is the actual security threat to the United States? And what happens next in Venezuela? He cannot answer these questions – and that’s why there was no briefing to Congress to explain this action, and no briefing scheduled. And Maduro’s illegitimate election does not give the president the power to invade without congressional approval, nor does it create a national security justification. That contention is laughable. This is about satisfying Trump’s vanity, making good on the long standing neocon grudge against Maduro, enriching Trump’s oil industry backers, and distracting voters from Epstein and rising costs.”
Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) said the Trump administration acted without congressional approval.
“Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, but I have seen no evidence that his presidency poses a threat that would justify military action without Congressional authorization, nor have I heard a strategy for the day after and how we will prevent Venezuela from descending into chaos. Secretary Rubio repeatedly denied to Congress that the Administration intended to force regime change in Venezuela. The Administration must immediately brief Congress on its plan to ensure stability in the region and its legal justification for this decision.”
State Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding (R-Conn.) shared that he hopes Maduro is brought to justice, calling him an “integral culprit” in the “narcotic ring” in the United States.
“President Maduro has been an integral culprit in fostering the narcotic ring in our country which has killed far too many Americans. I hope he is brought to justice and we can continue to address the substance abuse crisis that our state and country continues to face.
The Chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party Ben Proto shared the following statement.
“President Trump promised to stop the flow of drugs into the US that have been killing millions of Americans. Nicolas Maduro, who declared himself President, while getting about 30% of the vote in the last so called free election in Venezuela, was given multiple warnings to stop the flow of drugs from his country into America, was offered help by the Trump administration in stopping the flow, but he continued to, not only allow the flow of drugs, but condone it and profit from it. Presidents have long used their constitutional authority to intervene in other countries when those countries posed a danger to America and Americans. President Trump did just that. Unfortunately Democrats, particularly Jim Himes, Chris Murphy and Dick Blumenthal are more interested in playing politics than in protecting Americans. Nearly 1,000 Connecticut residents died from drug overdoses in 2024 and we have seen an increase in overdoses in 2025. If only Democrats cared as much about Americans as they do about a drug lord running another country who profits from the death of Americans.“
Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) demanded that Congress must be briefed before further action.
“As information about U.S military strikes in Venezuela unfold, I have more questions than answers. Nicolas Maduro is a brutal dictator who caused so much harm to his people. However, as Americans we must seriously weigh the consequences of attacking a sovereign nation and committing to “run Venezuela.” Congress must be briefed immediately, before this situation continues to escalate. I will comment further as credible information becomes available to Members of Congress.“
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) shared the following statement, claiming that there could be “severe repercussions for American interests.”
“President Trump’s unilateral decision to attempt a regime change operation in Venezuela by using military force to capture Nicolas Maduro and declaring, ‘we will run the country’, threatens global order and is a fundamental violation of the Constitution, which gives Congress the responsibility of authorizing major military actions that could have severe repercussions for American interests.
“America’s unprecedented global strength and prosperity was built on this principle of restraining military force through democratic bodies like Congress. President Trump has shredded this principle, and along with it has destroyed American credibility and emboldened our adversaries to act with similar aggression. This new foreign policy that President Trump and his advisors have used to justify this act of war, including invoking the 200-year-old Monroe Doctrine as a justification for America to do whatever it pleases in the Western Hemisphere, is the exact same reasoning that China would use to justify invading Taiwan, and which Russia has used to assault Ukraine.
“President Trump has also now threatened Cuba with similar language, and is preparing a giant corrupt giveaway to oil companies by claiming that the United States will acquire Venezuela’s oil. This is corruption of the highest order. Maduro was an authoritarian who stayed in power despite the will of the people, but that does not justify the United States in starting a war to benefit some of the world’s wealthiest corporations.
“President Trump did all of this without the consent of Congress, and without providing any details or day-after plans. The full consequences of this act of war will not be known for some time, and they may require putting American boots on the ground in Venezuela, as the President has said he was prepared to do. The American people do not want to be dragged into another endless conflict distracting from the rising cost of living and the affordability crisis. Whatever happens next, the responsibility will be squarely with President Trump and his contempt for the Constitution and for Congress.”
Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) echoed the statements of his fellow Democrats.
“This is yet another authoritarian power grab by Donald Trump. As he indicated in his address, it’s clear it’s about the oil!!! And securing that oil!!! And securing it with the use of our brave men and women in the United States military!!! The Constitution entrusts Congress, not the President, with the power to declare war for a reason. It’s Congress’s responsibility to decide whether the nation goes to war or not! That’s why I’m joining with others in calling on the President to immediately brief Congress—and for Congress to assert its authority under the Constitution and the War Powers Act—to let this President know he does not have the authority to unilaterally commit our country to yet another endless war.“
This is a developing story. Stay with News 8 for updates.
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