LIVE COVERAGE: Zyriah Schlitter murder trial verdict

Jurors start deliberations at 9 a.m. today in the Zyriah Schlitter murder trial. Join Gazette Reporter Trish Mehaffey's live coverage of the verdict when it comes in.

Closing arguments wrapped up Wednesday after more than two weeks of testimony.

Schlitter, 25, of Cedar Rapids, charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment, is accused of killing his daughter Kamryn Schlitter March 28, 2010. According to testimony, Kamryn suffered a subdural hematoma on the left side of her head and severe bruising on her neck, chin, underarms and chest. She died of blunt force head trauma.

On Monday, Schlitter took the stand and said he didn't inflict fatal injuries to the daughter he "loved dearly."

Schlitter's ex-girlfriend, Amy Jo Parmer, 29, of Hiawatha,  is also charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment. Her trial is set Jan. 14, 2013.

In the first week of testimony, Nicole King, Kamryn's mother, testified that she initially thought Parmer was to blame for abuse Kamryn suffered, but after seeing the injuries on her daughter in the hospital she said she knew Schlitter was responsible.

King also testified that Schlitter called her two days before she was to testify and asked her to "back him up."

Medical experts testified last week that Kamryn would have never recovered from the severe head trauma that was caused by a shaking or slamming. Doctors also said the injuries likely occurred within hours or days of the 911 call Parmer made, saying Kamryn needed medical help.