Hastings Man Charged in Death of Baby

HASTINGS (AP) — A 46-year-old Hastings man is charged with second-degree murder in the death of a baby a year ago.

Authorities responded to a call from Paul Sandell's home last April to find a mother trying to resuscitate on her 3-month-old baby.

According to the Dakota County criminal complaint, the woman left her baby with Sandell at 3 p.m. When she returned from work near midnight, her baby was lying face down on a bed with his head under a comforter.

Sandell allegedly told officers he fell asleep next to the baby. An autopsy determined the baby died because his position prevented him from breathing.

Sandell was charged Friday. He's scheduled for a court appearance May 4. No attorney could be found Sunday for Sandell.