From yesterday’s AJC…

A father who suffocated his 5-year-old son apparently to get back at his soon-to-be ex-wife will spend the rest of his life in prison, never to be paroled.

Gary DeToma said nothing in court Tuesday other than to plead guilty to murdering Gary Jr. and trying to kill his younger son, Will, to avoid a possible death penalty if convicted at trial.

Melanie DeToma reached out to us a couple of times after this tragic event to her son in July 2010.  I know we all certainly hope that she and her surviving son are doing as well as can be expected.  Ours thoughts are still with them today.

From the AJC…

Gary DeToma, the Decatur man accused of suffocating one of his young sons and trying to kill the other, was indicted on murder charges Tuesday, and prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty.

…Police have offered no motive, but DeToma and his wife, Melanie, were going through a contentious divorce. His anger toward his wife possibly led to the domestic tragedy, Melanie DeToma’s lawyer told the AJC.

UPDATE: This new AJC article titled “Parents of dead 5-year-old boy were going through a divorce” gives greater detail of the issues surrounding the DeToma family prior to the horrific incident yesterday.  Thanks to karass for pointing it out.

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According to this CBS Atlanta video, Gary DeToma Sr. confessed to Decatur Police last night that he suffocated his five year-old son and also tired to kill the younger of the two boys as well.

A DM reader has reached out to a relative about a potential vigil for Gary DeToma Jr.  I will keep the community updated if there are any developments.