A grand jury in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has indicted Joey Robert Patterson on the second degree murder of 2 year-old Tyrese Robert Ruffin. It was only recently that NFL star Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings found out that Tyrese was his son. 27 year-old Patterson has been charged with second degree murder and manslaughter. Patterson had been living with Tyrese’s mother when the heartbreaking incident occurred.
On October 9th Patterson called 9-1-1 and reported that Tyrese was having difficulty breathing, but once emergency medical staff arrived it was clear that other causes for injury had occurred. Tyrese was immediately taken to the hospital, and treated for severe injuries to his head. He stayed in the hospital on life support, but after two days in critical condition, he passed. Soon before he died, Adrian Peterson went to visit the child in the hospital. Due to Peterson only finding out about the boy recently, they met in person for the first time while Tyrese was in critical condition, in the hospital.
Second degree murder carries the minimum of a life sentence, without parole. Although the autopsy has not yet been completely finished, the testimonials presented in court concluded the verdict. The evidence was by two detectives and two doctors at the hearing last Friday. After hearing about the grim news, Adrian Peterson continued to play and has seen much support from his fans.
Little Tyrese’s wrongful death is a tragedy, but hopefully this widely covered case will attract new attention to domestic abuse. If you or a loved one is personally injured, justice must be served. Please contact Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP for legal counsel from an experienced Dallas brain injury lawyer today.
