The Capital Murder trial of Shakeitha Cartwright is in recess until Tuesday, with the state resting its case Friday afternoon.

Jurors heard from several expert medical witnesses and the father of the suspect and the victim during Day 4. A psychiatrist testified Cartwright “knew right and wrong”, and she was competent to stand trial. The 30-year old faces life in prison if found guilty for the death of her five-month old daughter, Keilly Hoyt in January of last year. Police allege the child died from multiple injuries she suffered from abuse by Cartwright.

The medical examiner that performed the autopsy on the Keilly, said she was malnourished, suffered from dehydration, and was tortured over a length of time. Dr. Elizabeth Ventura concluded, “Death was by blunt force trauma and smothering.” A DNA expert also testified the main contributor of blood and stains to bed sheets and blankets found at the Shelbyville Street residence were those of Keilly Hoyt.

Shakeitha Cartwright’s father, Marlon, was the first witness for the defense attorney Rudy Valesquez, followed by Ellis Hoyt, the child’s father. Marlon Cartwright said he witnessed his daughter crying after finding out her infant daughter was dead, despite what officers were saying. Hoyt said he saw no injuries to Keilly the night she died.