Chance Walsh’s father in Sarasota Co. Jail, facing murder charge

SARASOTA, Fla.- The father of baby Chance Walsh is in custody at the Sarasota County Jail, facing a first-degree felony murder charge in the death of his son, confirmed the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

Joseph Walsh, 36, arrived in Southwest Florida Tuesday at noon and is being held without bond.

Walsh’s arrest report shows Chance’s mom 32-year-old Kristen Bury, who is also charged with first-degree murder, told detectives Chance died in the morning hours of Sept. 16 at their home on Orduna Drive. Authorities say the couple got into an argument and Walsh hit Chance repeatedly, saying he was going to “bash his [Chance’s] head into the ground.” Officials say Bury never called 911 or attempted to stop the abuse.

After Chance died, authorities say Bury and Walsh left his body in his crib until the smell became so overwhelming, the couple decided to dispose of the body.

Reports show Chance’s body was wrapped in multiple garbage bags and left in a bedroom closet. On Sept. 24 authorities say the couple dug a grave in a remote, wooded area near English Circle and Elliot Court in North Port about 13 miles from their home and buried the baby.

Last week, the sheriff’s office confirmed the body of an infant had been found. Medical examiners are still working to positively identify the body.