FERGUS FALLS – A Fergus Falls man has been charged with murder after an 11-year-old boy he’s accused of beating died.
Reggie Bethel has been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and second-degree manslaughter.
On July 29, law enforcement responded to an emergency call and was told the child had slipped, fell, and suffered a head injury. Police say investigators and Lake Region Healthcare determined that the child had been assaulted by Bethel.
Bethel later told investigators that he was frustrated with the child, grabbed him by both sides of his head, and hit the boy’s head against the wall four to five times. Bethel allegedly admitted to lying in his initial statement because he was scared, as well as admitted to telling the boy’s mother to lie.
Bethel’s bail was set at $500,000. If convicted, he could face up to 40 years in prison.
