Bastrop, Tx–Prosecutors were trying to wrap up their case Wednesday in the capital murder trial of Christopher Murray for the June 11, 2007 death of a three-year-old in his care near Paige.
The state is not seeking the death penalty, but prosecutors allege that 26-pound, 35-inch-tall Robert “Robbie” Faske was essentially beaten to death by Murray, 30. The defense contends that the child’s injuries may have resulted from a variety of causes, none deliberate, including a fall from a tree, a later fall from a chair and an an accident in which Murray fell down a set of steep steps while carrying Faske in an attempt to get him to medical help.
Travis County Chief Medical Examiner David Dolinack testified Tuesday than an autopsy revealed more than 100 visible bruises on the child’s body in addition to severe internal injuries including bruising on the spleen, tears to the liver and small intestine and brain injuries caused by a blow to the back of the skull which fractured the bone.
Dr. James Lukefahr, a pediatrician who teaches at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and specializes in child abuse, testified Wednesday that scores of small bruises on the child’s body were likely caused by repeated blows from a closed fist, based on the pattern and size of the marks. He also said the pattern of injuries the child sustained suggests a deliberate intention to injure him.
Jury deliberations could begin Thursday. If convicted, Murray could be sentenced to a term on probation or as much as life in prison.