The fate of a former Reedley babysitter accused of killing a toddler is now in the hands of a jury. After three weeks of testimony, the Megan Martzen trial has wrapped up.
The prosecution says Megan Martzen lost control and murdered 17-month-old Ella Van Leeuwen. The defense says there are two tragedies here, a little girls' life was cut short and a woman falsely accused.
The prosecution told the jury Ella suffered a horrible fate, and that her fatal injuries weren't caused by an accident. They said Martzen beat the girl to death. Prosecutor Jeff Dupras picked apart Martzen's credibility, and said she lied in her testimony.
The defense pointed to character witnesses who said Martzen was great was kids. They said there was no motive for Martzen to kill a girl she loved. They also reminded the jury of expert testimony that explained Ella's death appeared to be caused by injuries on two separate days.
The jury will begin deliberating Monday morning.
Martzen is charged with second degree murder and child abuse. A jury could find her guilty of manslaughter.
TXT 24
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