Replay live coverage: Closing arguments in Amy Parmer murder trial

Follow Gazette reporter Trish Mehaffey's live coverage from the courtroom today for closing arguments following jury instructions 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 testified Kamryn would have never recovered from two severe head injuries 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 21, 2010, saying Kamryn needed medical help.

Defense medical experts disputed the state's witnesses, claiming Kamryn only suffered one head injury and it could have occurred within 24-48 hours of when Kamryn was brought into the hospital.

The trial started Aug. 19.