Suspect in death of NFL star’s son arrested again

Published 11:24 am Thursday, June 26, 2014

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A man charged with killing the 2-year-old son of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in South Dakota last fall was ordered held on $1 million cash-only bond Wednesday following accusations that he assaulted the boy’s mother this week.

Authorities said Joseph Patterson, 28, attacked Tyrese Robert Doohen. Patterson was arrested on charges of kidnapping, aggravated assault, interference with emergency communication and injury to property.

Patterson has been free on $750,000 bond while he awaits an October trial on charges including murder in the death of Tyrese Ruffin in Sioux Falls last October. Patterson was living with Doohen at the time of the boy’s death and was alone with the toddler at the time of the incident. Peterson had just recently found out that Tyrese was his son.

Email newsletter signup

The prosecution on Wednesday in court said Patterson allegedly went to Doohen’s apartment and terrorized her, twice choking her and once leaving her unconscious. She was able to call a relative, and her parents contacted police.

Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Aaron McGowan told the presiding judge that Patterson held Doohen at the apartment for more than an hour and caused her physical injuries.

“The victim had ligature marks on her neck,” McGowan said. He added that despite signing a no-contact order with the victim, Patterson still texted Doheen within an hour of Wednesday’s court hearing.

Judge Joni Cutler imposed the $1 million bond after Patterson’s attorney, Ken Tschetter, waived bond arguments.

“Mr. Patterson is a danger to both the victim and the community,” Cutler said.