Replay live coverage: Amy Parmer murder trial

Read also: Defense expert disputes state experts over timing of toddler's fatal head injury

Follow Gazette reporter Trish Mehaffey's live coverage from the courtroom as the defense continues its case at 9 a.m. today in the murder trial of a Hiawatha woman accused in the death of a 17-month-old toddler in 2010.

Amy Parmer, 29, is charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment resulting in death. Parmer is accused in the death of 17-month-old Kamryn Schlitter, who died of blunt force head injuries March 28, 2010, according to trial testimony.

According to the prosecution's theory, Parmer, along with ex-boyfriend Zyriah Schlitter, both inflicted Kamryn's physical abuse or each knew of the abuse and did nothing to stop it the last month of her life, while Schlitter, Kamryn's father, had sole custody of the child.

Zyriah Schlitter, 26, of Cedar Rapids was convicted of  involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment resulting in death last December. He is serving 50 years in prison.

Parmer's defense claims Zyriah Schlitter inflicted the abuse and Parmer just babysat Kamryn while she was dating him.

Several medical experts who testified at Schlitter's trial are testifying in Parmer's trial regarding Kamryn's injuries.  According to trial testimony, Kamryn would have never recovered from the severe head trauma that was caused by a shaking or slamming. They said the injuries likely occurred within hours or days of the 911 call Parmer made March 22, 2010, saying Kamryn needed medical help.

The trial started Aug. 19 and is expected to wrap up this week.