Trial of man accused of killing 11-month-old begins

Testimony in the capital murder trial of the foster parent accused in the death of an 11-month-old began Tuesday. Antonio Lopez is charged in August 2012 death of Jayla Beckley, a foster child in his care.

Lopez, then 27-years-old, is accused of taking the young child out of a crib, putting her on the floor, and stomping on her chest, killing her. Jury selection finished Monday in the 171th District Court under Judge Bonnie Rangel.

Witness Reanna Reynolds testified she was at the house the day that Jayla died. Reynolds said Lopez’s wife was baking while Antonio took care of Jayla in their room. While they finished the cake, Reynolds said Antonio came into the kitchen, carrying Jayla, saying she was not breathing. She said that’s when they called 9-1-1 and police arrived.

The prosecution also called crime scene investigators to the stand Tuesday.

Jurors then watched a taped interview between detectives and Lopez. The video shows a very frightened and crying Lopez being drilled by detectives. In the video, detectives can be heard telling Lopez that Jayla was in his custody, watching over her, and that he was responsible for her death.

In the 30-minute video, detectives described the injuries Jayla sustained from excessive force. Those injuries include a fractured skull, torn intestines and a ruptured liver.

In that same video, detectives also said the medical examiner stated that Jayla died a very painful death.

Meanwhile, Lopez denied he had done anything wrong.

The trial continues Wednesday morning.