HONOLULU — A medical expert testifying for the defense in a capital murder trial says a former Hawaii soldier’s daughter died of an infection.
Former soldier Naeem Williams could face the death penalty if convicted of murder in his 5-year-old daughter’s death.
Prosecutors say the girl died after Williams dealt her a fatal blow in 2005.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported defense witness Jan Leestma testified Tuesday the girl died from infection of the tissue behind the gut and sepsis. The pathologist offers a theory that suggests the girl’s stepmother caused those injuries.
Closing statements are expected next week.
Meanwhile, the judge dismissed one of the jurors because he appeared to be sleeping during the trial. The juror will be replaced with one of six alternates.