SIDNEY -- Charges were filed against a Sidney man in connection with the death of a two-year-old child.

According to an arrest affidavit, on April 5, 2021 the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a 911 call in the 1500 block of 14th Avenue regarding a two-year-old child who was not breathing.

Emergency medical personnel observed a child lying face-up on a couch wearing an orange shirt and a diaper. Authorities say the child had purple lips, and a purple tint to his neck and forehead. They reported a white stain on the couch near the child's head.

The affidavit said the child's temperature was 88.5, and his body showed rigor mortis, consistent with death likely occurring several hours earlier.

Pathologist Dr. Schilke, M.D., who performed an autopsy on the child, reported finding swelling on the right side of the child's head, and also swelling on the back side of his head. He reported the swelling was not there on the April 4, 2021 CAT scan. He did have bruising on his left temple, back, buttocks and front lower abdomen near his hip bones. 

Dr. Schilke reported finding injuries consistent with abuse over time. Dr. Schilke advised the child's cause of death to be homicide by blunt force trauma and strangulation. Toxicology showed THC present in the child's system.

According to authorities, there was probable cause to arrest and charge Brandon Russell, of Sidney, on Murder in the Second Degree (Class 1B Felony), Felony Intentional Child Abuse Resulting in Death (Class B Felony) and Assault by Strangulation resulting in Death (Class 2A Felony). 

He’s currently being held in the Lincoln County Jail in North Platte.