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Man Sentenced To Life In Prison For Killing Adrian Peterson’s Son

David Hookstead Sports And Entertainment Editor
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Joseph Patterson was sentenced to life without parole for killing the son of NFL star and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in 2013.

Judge Bradley Zell handed the sentence on Thursday after Patterson was found guilty of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and aggravated battery for the death of Peterson’s two-year-old son Tyrese Ruffin, according to the Argus Leader.

Patterson, who was dating the boy’s mother, will not have to serve time for the manslaughter charge because South Dakota law prohibits serving time for murder and manslaughter simultaneously. (RELATED: NFL Reinstates Minnesota Vikings Running Back Adrian Peterson)

According to an autopsy report, the young boy died due to four blows to the head which doctors concluded were intentional.

Patterson’s attorney Tim Rensch feels the trial is not representative of the facts and said, “I believe that one day this case will be held up as an example of injustice.”

However Ashley Doohen, Ruffin’s mother, took the stand and begged the judge to sentence Patterson so that he couldn’t harm anybody else. “As a mother, I was robbed of my ability to watch my son grow,” Doohen added. (RELATED: Adrian Peterson’s Agent Fights With Vikings’ Exec)

“I have no words that could provide any solace to either family. I wish I did,” Judge Zell said as the verdict was handed down.

Patterson maintained his innocence and told the court, “Losing Ty felt like losing a piece of my heart.”

Adrian Peterson has not commented on the verdict.

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