A Carroll County man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for causing severe brain injuries to his 12-month-old son. The case, prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Wade Mason, was covered by FOX 5 Atlanta and WSB-TV.
On April 25, 2019, Elbert Patterson Jr. was caring for his child when the infant’s mother found the child unresponsive. Despite attempts at CPR, the child was later found to have severe head trauma. Patterson was charged with aggravated battery and convicted on January 9, receiving a 20-year sentence
The case involved efforts by local law enforcement, medical professionals, and the child's mother to bring Elbert Patterson Jr. to trial for child abuse. The West Georgia Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office affirmed the community’s commitment to protecting children and holding abusers accountable. Chief Assistant District Attorney Wade Mason, Assistant District Attorney Jared Parrish, and Chief Investigator Becky Byrd worked together to ensure Patterson was convicted. "The District Attorney’s Office commends the strength and bravery of all citizens whose lives have been impacted by child abuse and will continue to work to see justice done when children are harmed," as stated by WSB-TV.
