Adrian Peterson’s two-year-old son Tyrese Ruffin was killed in 2013, and his mother’s boyfriend Joseph Patteron was found guilty
The man serving life in prison for killing NFL running back Adrian Peterson’s two-year-old son in 2013 has decided to bring his case before the Supreme Court.
Joseph Patterson was convicted in September 2015 of second-degree murder in the October 2013 death of Tyrese Ruffin.
The toddler was living with his mother in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Patterson, who was the mother’s boyfriend, lived with them.
Police responded to the home to find the baby unresponsive and determined later that he’d suffered injuries to his head consistent with abuse.
However, Patterson denied that claim, insisting that he is innocent and Tyrese died after accidentally choking on food.
He was convicted of first-degree manslaughter, aggravated battery of an infant and second degree murder.
Joseph Patterson was convicted in September 2015 of second-degree murder in the October 2013 death of Tyrese Ruffin. He is now going before the Supreme Court to protest his conviction. They are pictured together in a photo that Patterson posted to Facebook
Patterson went on Facebook following his conviction to say that the decision was wrong, and that he is innocent
The 31-year-old appealed his guilty conviction, and the Argus Leader reports the state Supreme Court will decide whether his jury trial was mishandled.
Patterson went on Facebook following his conviction to say that the decision was wrong, and that he is innocent.
‘I did everything in my power to save tyrese!’ he wrote.
‘I fought desperately and helplessly for his life. Tragically, we couldn’t save him. My heart was broken, when we lost |Ty, along with the many others who were fortunate enough to share his life.’
The 31-year-old appealed his guilty conviction, and the Argus Leader reports the state Supreme Court will decide whether his jury trial was mishandled. He is pictured in court in January 2015
Peterson was a longtime member of the Minnesota Vikings. He now plays for the New Orleans Saints. When the running back heard of his son’s death he acknowledged that the boy was his son, and then went back to playing football just a few days later
Attorney arguments are scheduled Monday on several questions, including whether the trial court prejudiced the jury by allowing prosecutors to mention certain information.
Peterson was a longtime member of the Minnesota Vikings. He now plays for the New Orleans Saints.
When the running back heard of his son’s death he acknowledged that the boy was his son, and then went back to playing football just a few days later.
‘God wants good to come from it,’ Peterson texted Laura Okmin, the Fox sideline reporter just before the game.
‘We mourn and grieve, but heaven had the baddest welcoming party for my son. That knowledge gives me piece.’
Peterson has had his own trouble with violence towards children – in 2013 he was charged with felony child abuse of his son, who was four at the time.
He pleaded no contest at the time, and was suspended from the NFL without pay.
However, in 2015 his suspension was overturned and he was allowed back on the field.