A jury in South Dakota convicted Joseph Patterson, 29 on Tuesday of second-degree murder and other charges in the death of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson’s 2-year-old son.
According to ESPN,
The Lincoln County jury deliberated more than five hours before finding Joseph Patterson, 29, guilty of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and aggravated battery, the Argus Leader reported. The deliberations followed two weeks of testimony about the October 2013 death of Tyrese Robert Ruffin, the son of Patterson’s girlfriend and Peterson.
Authorities alleged that Patterson assaulted Tyrese while the two were alone in a Sioux Falls apartment. An autopsy concluded that the boy’s head sustained four blows, causing his brain to bleed, and doctors determined that the injuries could not have been accidental.
Patterson’s defense maintained during the trial that Tyrese choked on a fruit snack. A doctor who testified for the defense said autopsy photos indicated injuries consistent with a child being given CPR after choking.
No word on sentencing time yet but Patterson could be facing life in prison.
Peterson had apparently just found out Tyrese was his son 2 months before his death.
While attempting to see the child Peterson was only able to meet his son a day before his death.
Condolences go out to Peterson and his family, and Tyrese’s family as well.