LISBON, N.D. - A Lisbon man has been charged with murder in the death of his 2-month-old son in October.
Documents filed Wednesday in Ransom County Court charge Byron Whetsel, 35, who was arrested Tuesday night, with three felonies: murder, child abuse and child neglect.
Documents say Whetsel was left alone with Kyle Whetsel on Oct. 29. Byron Whetsel said he discovered the boy gurgling, not breathing and with clear liquid running out of his nose.
Kyle was taken to a hospital, but died not long after. An autopsy found fractures on his ribs and bleeding on his brain.
In court documents, Whetsel denied knowing how the child died, first saying he believed it was the result of a propane leak and then blaming others, including the boy's mother, before saying he lied and accidentally fell on the baby.
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A medical examiner told investigators the explanation didn't fit the injuries.
