New Bond Set in Death of Football Star’s Son

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota judge has increased bond from $750,000 to $1 million for the man accused of killing the 2-year-old son of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, citing the serious nature of the charges.

KELO-TV and KDLT-TV report that 27-year-old Joseph Patterson made his first court appearance Tuesday since being indicted on murder manslaughter charges in the death of Tyrese Ruffin. Patterson made the appearance via video conference from jail.

Patterson is the boyfriend of the boy's mother. Authorities allege he assaulted Tyrese on Oct. 9 while the two were alone in a Sioux Falls apartment. He's to be arraigned Monday. His attorney says Patterson is not guilty.

About 100 people turned out at a Sioux Falls church on Tuesday night to mourn the slain 2-year-old son of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.

The Argus Leader newspaper reports (http://argusne.ws/1idy8ie) that about a dozen family members attended the service for Tyrese Ruffin at First Evangelical Free Church, along with members of the public.

The funeral for Tyrese a week ago was a private family affair, while Tuesday night's event was more public. The Rev. Randy Anderson says a gathering of family and friends at such times is important.

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