STURGIS, S.D. (AP) — Bond has been doubled to $500,000 for a Rapid City man accused of killing his girlfriend's 21-month-old son in Black Hawk.

Twenty-eight-year-old Thomas Pentecost made his initial court appearance Tuesday on alternate charges of murder and manslaughter in the death of Bentley Bahr. Pentecost had been charged last week with aggravated assault and attempted murder, but the boy was taken off life support Monday.

Authorities allege that the boy suffered head trauma while being cared for by Pentecost while the mother was away. Pentecost said the boy fell and hit his head.

The toddler was declared brain dead on Saturday.

Pentecost is being assigned a public defender. He also faces drug charges, and could face up to life in prison if convicted in the boy's death.

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