MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A Milwaukee man accused of killing his son over a piece of cheesecake appeared in court Thursday morning.

Travis Stackhouse is accused of beating his 5-year-old son to death over the weekend.

The incident happened at a home near 26th and Ruby early Saturday morning. According to a criminal complaint, Stackhouse hit the boy in the stomach and backhanded both sides of the child's face. He also told police he has a metal rod in his hand and knows punching someone would really hurt them. 

Court documents state Stackhouse initially lied and said the boy fell down the stairs, but after the boy’s brother told police what happened, he allegedly admitted to punching the boy.

At Thursday’s hearing, a cash bail was set at $100,000.

“The allegations against you which are horrendous, the alleged victim is a 5-year-old, as I read the complaint I believe high cash is warranted in this case,” Court commissioner Maria Dorsey said.

Stackhouse is expected back in court July 5.