BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The trial of a couple charged with murder in the death of a 2-year-old girl is in its third week, with separate juries for each defendant.
17 News is live blogging Wednesday’s proceedings.
Chandy McCarthy, the child’s mother, and Gregory MacDonald, her boyfriend, were arrested after the girl, Shelly, died in October of 2024. She had bruising over much of her body.
It’s alleged MacDonald abused her on multiple occasions and inflicted the fatal injuries, and that McCarthy knew about the abuse and did nothing to stop it.
The defendants have pointed fingers at each other.
Attorney Elliott B. Magnus, representing McCarthy, has said Shelly only received injuries when left alone with MacDonald. He said McCarthy put her trust in the wrong person.
Chief Deputy Public Defender Jano Mattaeo, MacDonald’s attorney, told the jury during his opening statement McCarthy has a long history of abusing children. She abused and killed her own daughter, he said.
MacDonald and McCarthy face life terms in prison if convicted.
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