Partin is charged with involuntary manslaughter and child endangering, in addition to murder, for the death of Hannah Wesche, a 3-year-old girl she babysat on March 8, 2018.
MORE: Father of toddler allegedly assault by babysitter speaks out
The 36-year-old defendant, who has been free on $75,000 bond while awaiting trial, arrived early with her family and waited outside the courtroom in a meeting room until the defense began preparation for jury selection. She sat at the defense table by herself, then began to wipe tears when defense attorney Chris Pagan took a seat beside her.
Jason Wesche, Hannah’s father and supporters also waited outside. He is scheduled to testify.
Pagan indicated before jury selection began the defense would present evidence from nationally noted pathologist Werner Spitz, who was a defense witness in the 2011 Casey Anthony trial, a Florida mother acquitted of murder in the death of her 2-year-old. Spitz also was a defense witness in the Warren County trials of Ryan Widmer, who was convicted for the bathtub murder of his wife, Sarah.
Now 92, Spitz requested the attorneys travel to Michigan, where he is based, to take his deposition for use at trial, Pagan told the judge. Assistant Prosecutor Kelly Heile said the prosecution has agreed to travel to Michigan at the expense of the defense to accommodate the deposition.
It was not mentioned when that would happen during the trial, which is scheduled to last through April 9.
MORE: Prosecutors: Babysitter abused toddler for dumping ketchup in the toilet
The trial has been continued several times, including in December when Stephens granted a continuance. Since then, the judge has made it clear there would be no further delays.
Pagan requested the continuance in December because he said more time was needed to consult with experts about the timing of the toddler’s head injuries after the prosecution’s experts narrowed the timeline.
“This is a medical opinion case,” Pagan said at the hearing last year.
Subpoenas have been issued for multiple doctors, as well as deputies, detectives, dispatchers and the child’s father.
MORE: 911 call in alleged babysitter assault: ‘Hannah breathe. Breathe for Daddy’
Partin, who was the child’s babysitter, allegedly fatally assaulted Hannah after the girl exhibited child-like behavior, according to court documents filed by the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office.
The girl suffered significant and severe bruising to her face, chest and neck on March 6, 2018, because Partin said Hannah “dumped ketchup in the toilet,” according to court documents filed by prosecutors.
Two days later, after Hannah’s father dropped off his daughter, Partin recklessly abused the girl, resulting in traumatic brain injury, cervical spinal cord hemorrhage and optic nerve sheath hemorrhages, according to court documents.
Partin, a mother of two, called 911 from her Shank Road house on March 8, 2018.
In the 911 call placed to county dispatchers, Partin identifies herself and says of Hannah “all of a sudden she just passed out.”
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