Benjamin Edetanlen was sentenced to 18 years in prison for killing his 5-month-old son in 2004 because of a paraphrased version of Proverbs 13:24: “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”

Edetanlen physically abused the infant, as well as a 2-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.

“The defendant stated that he disciplined the children, according to the book of Proverbs in the Bible,” said Assistant District Attorney Dalia Racine in court.

The baby died from blunt force trauma. He also suffered from a broken leg and brain injuries.