Judge: History Of Violence Can Be Used In Trial
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- A judge says a history of violence against children can be used as evidence against a Sioux Falls man accused of killing the 2-year-old son of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.
Joseph Patterson is scheduled for trial in October on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter and aggravated assault in the October 2013 death of Tyrese Ruffin. Patterson appeared Tuesday at a motion hearing.
A judge ruled that three separate attacks by Patterson on children can be used in the trial. Each of the cases allegedly happened within the last four years against children 3 years old or younger.
Jurors will not hear about an alleged attack on the mother of the victim in June. Patterson faces charges of aggravated assault and kidnapping in that case.
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