Man Charged With Murder in Death of AP’s Son

It is one of the most horrific stories.  Adrian Peterson’s two-year-old son passed away after being beaten allegedly by the little boy’s mother’s boyfriend.  The man, Joseph Patterson, was allegedly watching the child and repeatedly hit the little boy.  The little boy was rushed to the hospital, but did not survive the severe head injuries.  Upon finding about the little boy’s condition, Peterson rushed to the hospital to be with the little boy.  It was the first time the running back met his son, Tyrese Robert Ruffin.

Peterson had only learned a few months earlier that the little boy was biologically his.  He wanted to be involved in the little boy’s life, and was scheduling a time to visit the little boy around the time his life was cut short.   Nothing will bring this little boy back, but hopefully he will get justice.  Patterson’s charges now include second degree murder as well as two counts of first degree manslaughter and aggravated battery of an infant.  In South Dakota, second-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence which is exactly what he deserves for beating an innocent child.  The NFL community has rallied around Peterson during this difficult and confusing time.