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.<\/p>\n
17 News is live blogging Wednesday’s proceedings.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The defendants have pointed fingers at each other.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
MacDonald and McCarthy face life terms in prison if convicted.<\/p>\n