Trial slated Monday in toddler’s death

Trial slated Monday in toddler’s death

YORK, Pa. (AP) — Opening statements are scheduled Monday in the capital trial of a man in the death of a toddler for whom he was baby-sitting two years ago.

Thirty-nine-year-old Aric Woodard of York is charged with first-degree murder in the November 2011 death of 2-year-old Jacques Twinn.

York County prosecutors allege that Woodard beat the boy while looking after him at a York home. Court documents said he reported finding the boy in a bathtub.

Prosecutors say the death penalty would be warranted if the defendant is convicted of first-degree murder because of the victim’s age and what prosecutors say was severe beating amounting to torture.

The York Dispatch reports that defense attorney Joanne Floyd says it isn’t clear when the injuries were inflicted or who inflicted them.