Man who killed NFL star's son takes case to high court

By AP
Published

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) The case of a man serving life in prison for killing the 2-year-old son of NFL running back Adrian Peterson in South Dakota has gone before the state Supreme Court.

Joseph Patterson was convicted in September 2015 of second-degree murder in the October 2013 death of Tyrese Ruffin, the son of Patterson's girlfriend and Peterson.

Patterson appealed, and the Argus Leader reports the state Supreme Court will decide whether his jury trial was mishandled. Attorney arguments were held Monday on several questions, including whether the trial court prejudiced the jury by allowing prosecutors to mention certain information about Patterson's past involving children and alleged abuse.

Justices will rule later.

Peterson was a longtime member of the Minnesota Vikings. He now plays for the New Orleans Saints.