SUIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Authorities determined an 18-month-old boy died from trauma yesterday in Dell Rapids and his stepfather is charged with murder.
Captain Jason Gearman with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's office says 36-year-old Keith Cornett was alone with the infant while the boy's mom, and friends they were living with, went to Sioux Falls.
The home is rented by a Dell Rapid's couple who allowed Cornett and his wife, 22-year-old Kristine and her 18-month-old son Hayden Wigton, to stay with them.
The couple returned to Dell Rapids early yesterday afternoon and found Hayden unresponsive and called 911. Kristine had stayed in Sioux Falls. When deputies arrived the suspect Keith Cornett was also at the scene.
Everyone involved was questioned at the Law Enforcement Center and last night Keith Cornett was arrested.
He's charged with murder, 2nd degree murder, 2 counts manslaughter, 2 counts child abuse and possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.