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Man Charged in Death of Son, 3, After He Spit Food on the Couch

Jail-Bars-and-Cuffs_mediumMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Authorities say a Memphis man has been charged in the death of his 3-year-old son.

Court records show Terry Patterson is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse.

Police say officers went to a home early Saturday to check on a report of an unresponsive child. The boy was taken to a hospital, where he died. A medical examiner says he died of blunt-force trauma to the head.

A court affidavit says Patterson told officers he became angry at his son after the boy spit food on the couch Friday. The affidavit says Patterson hit the boy on his head and abdomen.

State child welfare officials are investigating.

Patterson is being held without bond. Court records don’t show if he has a lawyer.

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