Pocono News Section

Murder Trial Begins for Man Accused of Beating Baby

Murder Trial Begins for Man Accused of Beating Baby - Monday, October 20, 2008 at 1:10PM EST

Reported by: David DeCosmo WYOU TV News
Monday, Oct 20, 2008 @ 01:10pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Testimony got started Monday morning in the murder trial of Michael Blakey. He faces charges of first and second degree murder for the beating death of 7-month-old Khayr Cash in June of 2007.

District Attorney Andy Jarbola is seeking the death penalty. During his opening statement, Jarbola said that testimony from between 15 to 20 witnesses would show that Blakey was responsible for the traumatic injuries that claimed the child's life.

He described Blakey as man who only cared about getting his clothes ,his drugs and getting out of town after learning the infant was brain dead in the hospital.

Defense Attorney Paul Walker told the jury the physical evidence won't support the prosecution's case. Attorney Walker said that Blakey will take the stand in his own defense during the trial.