New York, NY —

Defense Attorney Jeffrey Schwartz continues to try to convince jurors that 7-year-old Nixzmary Brown was killed by her mother and not his client Cesar Rodriguez.

REPORTER: The attorney says Nixzaliz Santiago blamed her daughter for a recent miscarriage and beat her. He accused police of focusing on Rodriguez too quickly and performing a lopsided investigation.

SCHWARTZ: It is bizarre to think in a case where there are more than one suspect that they would not have taken DNA samples, swabs or any samples from Nixzaliz Santiago

REPORTER: Prosecutor Ama Dwimoh says Nixzaliz Santiago may also be responsible for the child's death but that is not the question:

DWIMOH: This case before this jury has to do with Cesar Rodriguez it doesn't have to do with Nixzaliz Santiago. She will have her day in court before another judge, before another jury.

REPORTER: The trial has laid out in disturbing detail the alleged abuse against Nixzmary and it is expected to last five weeks. If convicted, Rodriguez faces 25 years to life in prison.