Two-Year-Old Boy Hurt In Alleged Assault Dies

sioux falls, sd

A two-year-old boy who was found unresponsive at a Sioux Falls apartment Wednesday evening has died.

When the child was taken to the hospital, doctors found injuries consistent with abuse that they say were not accidental.

The boyfriend of the child's mother is charged with hurting the boy.  27-year-old Joseph Robert Patterson is charged with Aggravated battery of an infant and Aggravated Assault.  During a court appearance on Friday, a Lincoln County Judge set Patterson's bond at $750,000.  Following the boy's death, the Lincoln County State’s Attorney’s Office will be reviewing police reports for consideration of additional charges.

Sioux Falls police are not releasing the child's name out of respect for the family and to give them time to make notification.  They say his name will be released early next week.

While police won't identify the boy's parents, multiple sources say Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is the boy's father.  Peterson's father confirmed that news on Friday. 

Peterson was in Sioux Falls on Thursday for what the Vikings called a personal matter.

Peterson was back at practice on Friday.  Peterson didn't want to answer any questions about the case or his connection, but says he appreciates all the support from fans and the Vikings.

He said he plans to play on Sunday. 

Patterson faces two felony charges that carry up to 40 years in prison, if he's found guilty.

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