Florida Teen Charged with Manslaughter After Fatal Fight Over Food with Father

A 19-year-old was arrested in Florida after a family dispute over food led to his father's death from internal bleeding.

A Florida teenager has been charged with manslaughter following a tragic altercation with his father that stemmed from a disagreement over food. Authorities say Julien Welch-Beddoe, 19, allegedly assaulted his father, Francis Welch, 45,during a heated argument on January 19, leading to fatal injuries.

A Heated Argument Over Food Turns Deadly

According to the arrest affidavit, the conflict began when Welch-Beddoe went to prepare himself a plate of food. His father, reportedly upset that his son wasn’t working, told him he “didn’t deserve to have it.” Ignoring the remark, Welch-Beddoe made his meal and attempted to take it to his room. That’s when Welch allegedly pushed his son, sparking a physical confrontation.

Authorities say the fight escalated quickly. Welch-Beddoe reportedly placed his father in a headlock and punched him multiple times in the ribs. He then allegedly forced his father to the floor and put him in a chokehold. Welch’s fiancée intervened, managing to separate the two, and Welch-Beddoe retreated to his bedroom.

A Shocking Discovery

A few minutes later, Welch-Beddoe heard Welch’s fiancée screaming, “This isn’t a joke!” When he returned to the living room, he saw his father in distress—struggling to breathe and turning pale. Realizing the severity of the situation, they called for medical assistance.

Welch was rushed to Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital, but tragically, he was pronounced dead just after midnight on January 20.

Autopsy Reveals Fatal Injuries

An autopsy later determined that Welch had suffered from internal bleeding caused by a lacerated spleen, which resulted from three broken ribs. The medical examiner ruled the cause of death as homicide.

Following his father’s passing, Welch-Beddoe stopped cooperating with investigators and refused to speak further without an attorney.

Legal Consequences and What’s Next

On February 5, Welch-Beddoe was formally charged with manslaughter and taken into custody. He is currently being held at the Brevard County Jail on a $50,000 bond, with his next court appearance scheduled for March 25.

This case highlights how a seemingly minor household argument can spiral into a life-altering tragedy.

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