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Woodbridge man charged with murder in death of 4-year-old son in Franklin Township

by
February 23, 2025
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FRANKLIN TWP., N.J. — A Woodbridge man has been arrested and charged with murder and child endangerment in connection with the death of his 4-year-old son, authorities announced.

Sean Tate, 36, was taken into custody on February 18 following an investigation into the child’s death, which occurred on February 19, 2024, at a Franklin Township hotel.

Police responded to the hotel after receiving a report of an unresponsive child. Tate told officers that the child had fallen off a toilet two days earlier and had also hit his head on an air conditioning unit. He said he iced the injury before going to bed but found the child unresponsive the next morning. The boy was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Medical personnel reported that the child appeared emaciated and had multiple injuries. The New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a homicide on February 4, 2025.

Tate is being held at the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing as the investigation continues.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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