Fergus Falls man charged with murder after boy’s death

A Fergus Falls man faces murder charges following the death of an 11-year-old boy he’s accused of beating in July.

Fifty-six-year-old Reggie Bethel is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and second-degree manslaughter.

A criminal complaint says authorities responded to an emergency call on July 29 and were told the boy suffered a head injury after slipping and falling.

Police say investigators and Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls determined that the child had been assaulted by Bethel, who lived in the home.

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. He also admitted to telling the boy’s mother to lie.

Bethel’s bond was set at $750,000 without conditions, or $500,000 with conditions.