Man Charged in Death of 3-Year-Old Boy in Western Minnesota

DETROIT LAKES (AP) — A 23-year-old man is charged with murder in the death of a 3-year-old boy in western Minnesota.

Sterling Andersen of rural Ogema appeared in Becker County court Monday on two counts of second-degree murder.

Andersen is accused in the death of Steven Warren, the son of his girlfriend. Emergency medical services were sent Wednesday to the couple's home on a report of a young child with a head injury. The boy was pronounced dead at a hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.

An autopsy found over 26 bruises to the boy's abdomen along with head trauma.

According to court documents, Andersen told investigators he struck the child because he would not stop crying.

Bail for Andersen is set at $2 million with no conditions. He's due back in court Oct. 19.