A Bristol Borough man is headed to state prison for the death of his 4-month-old son.
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Tyler Sullivan, 31, was sentenced Tuesday at the Bucks County Justice Center by Common Pleas Judge Gary to 15 to 30 years in state prison. Gilman also ordered him to undergo mental health treatment, according to the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.
Sullivan pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child before Gilman in May.
The charges followed the May 24, 2023, incidents where Bristol Borough police responded to a report of a baby in cardiac arrest in the 1000 block of Radcliffe Street.
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At the scene, officers found the infant – identified as 4-month-old Timothy Sullivan – unresponsive and cold to the touch.
He was rushed to Lower Bucks Hospital and pronounced dead shortly after midnight, according to court papers.
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An examination revealed the baby suffered from multiple contusions, bruising, and abrasions, authorities said.
The Bucks County Coroner’s Office later ruled the infant’s death a homicide due to multiple blunt force injuries.
Investigators have said that on the day of the incident, and on several previous occasions, Sullivan had violently shaken his son.
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During the sentencing, victim impact statements from Timothy’s mother and aunt were presented.
“My baby deserved to live a long, happy, wonderful life,” the boy’s mother said said.
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The baby’s mother expressed her ongoing nightmares and inability to return to her apartment.
The boy’s aunt described the loss felt by the family.
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“We will miss him forever,” she said.
In a tearful statement before receiving his sentence, Sullivan expressed remorse.
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“There is no denying that this is a tragedy from start to finish,” Gilman said.
The death of the infant rocked the Bristol Borough community and led to a candlelit vigil to honor the young life lost.
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