JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A 33-year-old man is behind bars after police say he murdered his stepfather with a cane.
Thomas Ryan is charged with the murder of Michael King.
Action News learned Ryan had been placed under the Baker Act eight separate times.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said Ryan called police Sunday and said his stepfather took a fatal fall, but when rescue crews arrived, they realized that King had suffered serious trauma to his head and right eye.
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"The stepson lost his temper, took the victim's walking cane, which is aluminum, and beat him to death," JSO Assistant Chief Chris Butler said.
Police said Ryan was at the home when officers got there and was arrested.
JSO said Ryan has been arrested in the past for violating an injunction for protection against domestic violence.
WJAX
