SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - A Gregory man admitted shaking his 3-month old son before he died five days later but a jury yesterday found 24-year Adam Bruns not guilty of all charges including second degree murder.
Bruns was accused of shaking Levi two years ago after the infant vomited in a swing in Bruns' home.
Bruns said he thought his son was choking and tried clearing his airway by tipping him upside down. He said Levi lost color, his eyes rolled and that's when he took the boy to the hospital.
The jury deliberated for seven hours befores returning its verdict at the Gregory County Courthouse in Burke.
Defense attorneys and prosecutors relied on testimony from medical experts on brain swelling, retinal hemmorhaging and hematomas.
Defense attorney Tim Rensch said the state failed to prove the defendent's guilt beyond a resonable doubt.
Bruns was also cleared of several charges of manslaughter, aggravated assault and chilkd abuse. He faced life in prison.