Jefferson County father held on $500,000 in death of five-month-old son

JEFFERSON — A father is being held on $500,000 cash bond in Jefferson County on accusations he caused the death of his five-month-old son.

22-year-old Terrance Curtis is charged with first-degree reckless homicide in the Oct. 22 death of Rhett Chesson. Prosecutors say an autopsy showed the baby had blunt force injuries to his head and neck, including skull fractures.

Milwaukee County Chief Medical Examiner Brian Peterson says it appears the infant's head probably hit against a hard surface or wall more than one time.

The Daily Union reports a criminal complaint says Curtis told investigators he accidentally dropped his son a couple of times, including an incident inside on the floor and outside on the driveway. Curtis' public defender argued for a lower bond in court Tuesday, saying the charge involved reckless conduct, not intentional conduct.