Tragic Family Conflict: 19-Year-Old Faces Manslaughter Charges for Father’s Death Over Food Dispute

A 19-year-old from Florida, Julien Welch-Beddoe, is facing serious charges after a fatal argument with his father, 45-year-old Francis Welch, over food. The incident took place on January 19 in Melbourne, about 70 miles from Orlando.

According to police reports, officers were called to the home in the evening. They found Francis unresponsive and his fiancée in distress. Medics arrived shortly after, but the situation was dire.

Julien told authorities that the argument began when he made himself a plate of food. His father challenged him, saying he didn’t deserve it since he wasn’t working. Despite this, Julien took his food and started to walk away, leading to a physical confrontation. Francis allegedly pushed him, which escalated things further.

In the struggle, Julien placed his father in a headlock and struck him several times in the ribs. The altercation ended when Francis’s fiancée intervened, separating the two. Julien claims he released his father, believing everything was fine.

However, minutes later, chaos ensued as his father’s fiancée screamed for help. Julien rushed into the living room and found his father slumped back on the couch, unresponsive.

Francis was transported to a hospital but sadly passed away just hours later. An autopsy revealed he had suffered three broken ribs and a lacerated spleen due to blunt force trauma.

Compounding the tragedy, it was discovered that Francis had a blood alcohol level of .391 at the time of his death, indicating he was heavily intoxicated. In contrast, Julien was sober during the confrontation.

Now, Julien is charged with manslaughter and has pleaded not guilty. His bail is set at $50,000, with the condition that he has no contact with his father’s family. His next court date is on March 25.

Source link