No parent ever wants to experience what Adrian is going through right now. His2-year-old son died Friday of injuries he suffered after allegedly being abused, police said.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, police said Joseph Robert Patterson, 27, has been charged with aggravated battery of an infant and aggravated assault. If convicted
on the charges, both felonies, Patterson could face up to 40 years in prison and an $80,000 fine.
Patterson called authorities about 5:45 p.m. Wednesday to a report that a 2-year-old was choking in his Sioux Falls apartment, police spokesman Sam Clemens said. Officers arrived to find that the toddler was unresponsive, and he was rushed to a nearby hospital.Authorities determined that the child had suffered injuries to his head consistent with abuse, according to Clemens. Police said Patterson, whom they described as the boyfriend of the injured child’s mother, was the only other person in the residence at the time.
This is the man authorities say is responsible:
The suspect — who was given suspended sentences a year ago for simple domestic assault and violation of a domestic abuse bond, both misdemeanors — was arrested Thursday night, said Lincoln County, South Dakota, State’s Attorney Tom Wollman. A judge set his bail at $750,000 cash during his initial court appearance Friday, according to Clemens.The 2-year-old’s mother is not under investigation, Clemens added.”This is an absolute tragedy,” Wollman said Friday, “and the parents and the extended family are suffering greatly.”
Peterson posted these series of tweets:
Sad case indeed. Prayers to both families.