Deliberations resume in Nixzmary trial

NEW YORK The jury began deliberating Thursday afternoon in state Supreme Court, then resumed for part of the day Friday and returned on Monday.

Prosecutors say Cesar Rodriguez killed his stepdaughter in January 2006 after catching the malnourished child stealing yogurt. The defense has cast Rodriguez as an overwhelmed family man who punished an unruly child but blames her mother for the fatal blow.

Rodriguez has pleaded not guilty to murder. The mother also has pleaded not guilty and faces a separate trial.