Man With Violent Past Lives in Virginia Home Where 3-Year-Old Had Fatal Fall

New details are emerging surrounding the mysterious death of a Vienna, Virginia, toddler on Mother’s Day.

News4 learned that a man with a violent past was living with the 3-year-old and his mother, Erin TePaske, when the child fell and hit his head Sunday. He died from his injuries a few days later. While Bartley has not been linked to the three-year-old’s death, the toddler was in his care when he received his eventually fatal injuries.

In 2005, a 14-year-old Bartley pleaded guilty to killing a high school vice principal in Campbell County, Tennessee. After serving time in prison, he appealed his case and was found guilty of a lesser charge and let go. A few months ago, he moved in with TePaske, who served as his counselor. Lori Phillips-Jones, the district attorney general in Tennessee who fought to keep Bartley locked up, expressed shock that TePaske would allow Bartley into her home.

“Knowing his history, his violent past, I’m surprised someone would put their own child in danger,” she said.

Police confirmed that as of now, the toddler’s death is not a criminal case and Bartley is not a suspect. However, there is a warrant out for his arrest in Tennessee for a probation violation. As it’s a misdemeanor, prosecutors are not expected to request an extradition.

The toddler’s death remains under investigation.

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