Florida – A 25-year-old man, Larry Rhodes Jr., has been sentenced to life in prison plus 35 years for the brutal murder of his 6-year-old son in 2022. Rhodes was found guilty of first-degree murder and multiple child abuse charges following a disturbing case that shocked the community.
What Happened?
On July 5, 2022, first responders arrived at a hotel room in Osceola County, Florida, where they found Rhodes’s young son unconscious with his head inside a toilet bowl. Rhodes and his girlfriend, Bianca Blaise (28), initially claimed the child had possibly drowned.
However, medical and police investigations soon revealed the heartbreaking truth: the boy had been violently beaten by both parents after being caught drinking water from the toilet.
“He Was Just Thirsty”
During a press conference, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez revealed that the child was punished severely for drinking from the toilet, likely out of desperation and thirst.
“First, the mother beat him. Then the father started punching this little boy repeatedly — in the head and the stomach,” said Sheriff Lopez.
“Maybe he was thirsty. He went to the toilet. He was trying to survive. Mama caught him, and the poor guy paid the price.”
Abuse Went Beyond One Child
Court documents revealed that Rhodes and Blaise were staying in the hotel with six children. Witnesses at the hotel reported hearing loud “thuds” from the room.
Investigators learned that physical punishment and abuse were common in the household. Blaise admitted to occasionally giving the children “whoopings” and said the kids often imitated WWE and UFC wrestling moves they saw on TV. She was later charged with child neglect.
The Charges and Verdict
Rhodes faced multiple charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Two counts of aggravated child abuse
- Four counts of child abuse
In December 2024, he was indicted for his role in his son’s death and the abuse of his other children. He was found guilty after a full trial.
On sentencing, the judge ordered life in prison plus an additional 35 years, ensuring Rhodes will never be released.