Trial Of Man Accused Of Killing Peterson's Son In 2nd Week
CANTON, S.D. (AP) — The prosecution has rested its case in the South Dakota trial of a man accused of killing the 2-year-old son of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.
Twenty-nine-year-old Joseph Patterson has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other charges in the October 2013 death of Tyrese Robert Ruffin, who was the son of his girlfriend and Peterson.
Patterson's trial is in its second week. The state rested its case Monday, and it's now the defense's turn to present witnesses.
The main question jurors must answer is whether the death of Tyrese was an accident. Investigators allege that Patterson assaulted Tyrese while they were alone in a Sioux Falls apartment. Patterson says Tyrese choked on a fruit snack.
Patterson faces a mandatory life prison sentence if convicted of second-degree murder.
(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
