SD Man On Trial For Murder In Infant Son's Death

by Associated Press
January 23, 2013 7:12 AM


Prosecutors say a South Dakota man on trial in the death of his infant son beat and shook the child, leading to his death. Defense attorneys say the boy was inadvertently suffocated by his mother.

Thirty-nine-year-old Chris Miller, of Scotland, is on trial in Parker on several charges including second-degree murder in the March 2011 death of 4-month-old Jacob Miller. Attorneys on both sides gave their opening statements to the jury Tuesday.

Prosecutor Lisa Rothschadl told jurors that Miller abused his son and that the boy died of injuries that "were not accidental."

Defense attorney Tim Whalen told the jury that Miller's wife, Stacy, rolled over on Jacob while drunk.

Judge Glen Eng has blocked off 10 days for the trial. Miller faces life in prison if convicted of murder.