Conn. Father Who Threw His 7-Month-Old Baby Off a Bridge Makes Shocking Claim from Stand

A Connecticut man, currently serving a 70-year prison sentence for the death of his seven-month-old son, has taken the stand in a civil lawsuit against the state’s Department of Children and Families (DCF). Tony Moreno was convicted in 2017 of murdering Aaden Moreno, whose tragic death has prompted serious questions regarding the protective measures that were supposed to be in place before the infant was thrown from a bridge into the Connecticut River.

Moreno, who has maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration, described his murder trial as a “joke” during his testimony. He suggested that the evidence presented was so lacking that even inanimate objects could have been convicted. His remarks, made in a civil trial initiated by Aaden’s mother, Adrianne Oyola, focused on claims that the DCF failed to heed warnings about his threatening behaviour towards both Aaden and Oyola prior to the child’s death.

The lawsuit asserts that DCF did not take the necessary actions that could have prevented Aaden’s death, including failing to seek a 96-hour emergency hold on Moreno. This failure was particularly egregious, as the family had a history of concerns raised with the agency regarding Moreno’s actions leading up to the incident. According to reports, DCF caseworker Kimberly Natoli did not meet Moreno in person prior to Aaden’s death, which Oyola and her legal team argue reflects a dereliction of duty.

In a heart-wrenching account in court, Oyola described her relationship with Moreno as tumultuous and abusive. She testified that his controlling behaviour worsened after Aaden was born, outlining instances where he would dictate her attire and social interactions. Oyola further recounted threats made by Moreno regarding both her and their son, stating he had threatened to make Aaden “disappear” if she ever left him.

This alarming testimony coincides with a letter sent to DCF by Oyola on 17 June 2015, in which she articulated her fears for Aaden’s safety. She expressed concern over Moreno’s mental state, emphasising his anger and potential volatility. Oyola stated in court that these expressions of fear seemed to be dismissed as the agency assured her they were not regarded as sufficient grounds to intervene or remove Aaden from Moreno’s care.

In the brief time following Moreno taking custody of Aaden on 3 July 2015, tragedy struck as the infant was found dead just two days later. Prosecutors argued during the 2017 trial that Moreno had murdered Aaden as an act of revenge against Oyola after their relationship ended. Jurors ultimately rejected Moreno’s claim that the child had simply slipped from his arms, viewing the act as deliberate.

As both sides presented their case in court, Oyola reiterated her belief that the DCF did not provide adequate protection for her child, leading to Aaden’s tragic demise. Legal representatives for the family are currently seeking £15 million in damages, arguing that the department’s negligence significantly contributed to the circumstances surrounding Aaden’s death.

Despite the severity of these claims, the state maintains that DCF adhered to established protocols. Officials argue that, at the time of intervention, there was not enough evidence to justify removing Aaden from his mother’s custody, with testimonies suggesting that the infant was not perceived to be in immediate danger.

As the case unfolds, the courtroom continues to grapple with the implications of a system designed to protect vulnerable children and how systemic failures can lead to devastating consequences for families. The outcome of this civil lawsuit could pave the way for critical discussions about child welfare policies, particularly regarding the responsiveness of agencies when faced with concerning reports of parental behaviour.