Man Acquitted Of Abuse, Convicted Of Negligence

DENVER – A jury has acquitted a Boulder County man of causing the injuries that killed his infant son but found him guilty of criminal negligence.

Twenty-nine-year-old Alex Midyette faces up to 12 years in prison after the March 2006 death of his 11-week-old son Jason.

A jury on Tuesday acquitted Midyette on the more serious charge of knowing and reckless child abuse. He could have been sentenced to up to 48 years if convicted on that charge.

Midyette has been taken into custody but can be released if he posts $1.5 million bail.

Prosecutors said Jason suffered 37 broken bones and argued the injuries were inflicted by his father.

The defense said Jason had a disease that was misdiagnosed as abuse.

Deliberations began Friday after nearly five weeks of testimony.