Man Who Allegedly Beat Peterson's Son to Death Has History of Domestic Abuse

Joseph Robert Patterson, 27, the man who allegedly beat and killed Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson’s son to death, has a history of domestic violence. The boy died on Friday and more charges may be filed against Patterson.

On Wednesday, Patterson beat the boy and told police he choked on candy. The hospital revealed the brain damage was caused by violent shaking. Police found more injuries that suggested long term abuse. In 2012, a judge decided to give Patterson counseling instead of jail time for abuse of an ex-girlfriend. The South Dakota state attorney quickly changed that on Friday.

South Dakota State’s Attorney Thomas Wollman filed motions on Friday ordering Patterson to serve two year-long sentences that had been suspended on prior domestic assault charges. 

Patterson had pleaded guilty in 2012 to simple assault in an incident involving an ex-girlfriend and her three-year-old son. 

The woman requested a protection order saying that Patterson had spanked her little boy so hard that she had to ice the welts on his buttocks, according to the Argus. 

She also said that he choked and punched her, threatened her with a knife and held her in the bedroom against her will, according to records. 

She asked for the protection orders prior to the birth of the son she has with Patterson.

As part of his prior charges, Patterson was ordered to undergo family violence training and to stay away from the woman until completing it.

Another ex-girlfriend filed for protection against Patterson in 2004. 

He only recently started this relationship with the boy’s mother. They moved into the Platinum Valley Apartments in Sioux Falls and was the caretaker of the boy at the time of the abuse. 

The boy was Peterson’s “secret” child. A paternity test revealed he was the father, but he is not mentioned on the birth certificate. He did know he was the father. He told the media he is very thankful for the support he is receiving from friends and fans. It is unknown if he will play on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers now that the boy passed away.