5 years ago, it was one of the most shocking and hideous murders we had ever reported: 17 month old Alyssa Nunez killed allegedly by her stepfather in a case of monstrous physical and sexual abuse.
Today, the trial of that stepfather, Everal Ezekiel Henry Martinez concluded before Justice Ricardo O'Neil.
The case started on Monday with Crown Counsel Porsha Staine-Ferguson calling 12 witnesses. For his part, Martinez - who was left to care for the child when she started having difficulties breathing - gave a statement from the dock saying that he caused no harm to his step-daughter, and that he loved her like a father loves his own daughter.
But, someone treated the toddler with extreme, unthinkable, cruelty. Testimony came from Dr. Cecilo Eck who examined the child when she was admitted at the KHMH, and Dr. Mario Estradabran, the doctor who performed her post-mortem examination.
According to Doctor Eck, the child arrived having seizures and so she was administered with seizure medication. He observed that she had a bloodshot eye; a bruise above the right eye and bruise to her groin area, as well as multiple deep lacerations to her genitals and bleeding in her anal region.
Doctor Eck concluded that all of the child's injuries were inflicted between 8-12 hours before she was admitted.
Dr. Estradabran said the child died as a consequence of blunt force head trauma.
Justice Sandcroft has reserved ruling for May 2, 2023.
