Official: Grocery dispute led to boy's slaying

CAMDEN - A dispute over groceries led to the fatal beating of a 2-year-old Pennsauken boy, a prosecutor said Tuesday.

Accused killer Zachary Tricoche knocked down the boy's mother, his live-in girlfriend, during an argument Saturday night, then turned on the boy when he started to cry, Assistant Camden County Prosecutor Christine Shah said at a court hearing.

BACKGROUND: Pennsauken toddler fatally beaten, police say

Shah identified the child as J.B., but family members said the boy was Jamil Baskerville Jr.

The prosecutor's office has not identified the mother, who is considered a material witness.

Shah said Tricoche, 24, punched the boy as he sat on the bed, causing the child to fall backward and hit his head against a wall.

"When J.B. got up, Tricoche punched him a second time, causing J.B. to again strike his head on a wall and rendering him unconscious," said Shah, citing a probable cause statement for the suspect's arrest.

Police came to the toddler's home on the 5900 block of Mansion Avenue around 11:30 p.m. Saturday after the mother called 911 to report her child was "unresponsive."

"My boyfriend is, like, trying to get him to wake up," said the mother, who became distraught as the 911 call continued.

She mentioned bruising to the boy's chest, saying, "It's turning color," but did not refer to any alleged assault.

"He has vomit coming out his nose and mouth," the mother told the 911 dispatcher, who had already dispatched emergency responders. "Can you please hurry up?"

Tricoche, who lived at the home, took the phone at one point to receive directions on administering CPR to the child.

The boy was pronounced dead at an area hospital around 12:10 a.m. Sunday. He suffered injuries to his chest and head, as well as a "large laceration to his liver," according to the probable cause statement.

Superior Court Judge Edward McBride Jr. ordered Tricoche held on $1 million cash bail at Tuesday's hearing, which was attended by more than 20 family members.

Among other factors, McBride cited the potential sentence of life in jail without parole for the homicide of someone under age 14. Shah also noted the suspect's criminal record, including multiple drug offenses.

Some family members were sobbing before the hearing began, and several left the session after they were overcome by emotions.

Jim Walsh; (856) 486-2646; jwalsh@gannettnj.com