FL man convicted of murder after tossing 3-month-old out of car window on the freeway

A Florida man was convicted of murder on Thursday for tossing a 3-month-old boy out a moving car window along a Florida highway, killing the infant instantly.

Richard McTear, 26, was convicted of first-degree murder and four other felonies: burglary with assault and battery, aggravated child abuse, battery and kidnapping, according to The Tampa Tribune.

In 2009 McTear attacked ex-girlfriend Jasmine Bedwell, 22, after she returned home with her son from a friend's house. After beating Bedwell, McTear fled the scene taking her 3-month-old son, Emanuel Wesley Murray Jr., with him. According to authorities, McTear tossed the baby out of the car window while driving down Interstate 275.

Emanuel Wesley Murray Jr. was found dead on the side of the highway on May 5, 2009.

In court proceedings, defense attorney Michael Peacock suggested Bedwell or her friend, Liderrius Moore, might have killed the baby however Assistant State Attorney Ronald Gale said the evidence was overwhelming. Bedwell’s and the baby’s DNA and apparent blood stains were found on the shorts McTear was wearing when he was arrested.

When McTear was being booked into the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office following his arrest, he was asked by reporters why he threw a baby out a car window. He responded: “It’s a dirty game.”

Bedwell, accompanied the baby’s father, Emanuel Wesley Murray Sr., wept after the verdict was read.

After thanking the jury Murray’s uncle, Ike Thompson, was asked what they should do next. He replied, “Burn him.”

McTear now moves to the penalty phase of his trial where prosecutors are expected to ask for the death penalty.

[Image, family handout]