Child injury trial jury likely to get case today

Child injury trial jury likely to get case today

Judge OKs motion to change number of counts charged

Jury deliberations likely will begin today in the child endangerment trial of a Nora Springs man, Floyd County District Court Judge Christopher Foy told jurors Thursday afternoon.

Tylan James DeBeir, 25, is charged with one count of child endangerment, a class C felony. The maximum sentence he could receive is up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

He was originally charged with two counts of child endangerment after his live-in girlfriend’s son was injured while in his care on Easter weekend in 2013.

Foy approved a motion earlier this week by Assistant State Attorney General Coleman McAllister that the charges be amended to only one count of child endangerment.

The trial began Monday with jury selection that ended on Tuesday. A jury of eight men and six women was seated. Two of those jurors are alternates who will be dismissed before the jury is sent into deliberations if they’re not needed to replace other jurors.

Attorneys delivered opening statements and witnesses began to testify on Tuesday. Public Defender Susan Flander said DeBeir was innocent of injuring the 13-month old, rather he cared for the boy. The baby climbed out of his playpen and fell, which led to head injuries, she said, noting that DeBeir was awakened by the thud.

Floyd County Attorney Rachel Ginbey delivered the opening statement said Debeir caused the injuries by throwing the baby into the playpen.

Testimony continued through Wednesday and Thursday.

By Chris Baldus cbaldus@charlescitypress.com