Lawyer Says Toddler Found Encased in Concrete Wasn't Killed on Purpose

Justice was found encased in concrete in a swampy area of Northwest Indiana

A defense attorney says his client didn't intend to kill a toddler whose body was found encased in concrete in a swampy area of northwestern Indiana.

Testimony began Wednesday in the trial of 19-year-old Engelica Castillo of Hobart, who is charged with murder for the June 2009 death of a 2-year-old cousin she was baby-sitting.

Jada Justice was the subject of a 10-day search after Castillo reported the girl was missing from the car after she went into a Gary convenience store.

Defense lawyer Lemuel Stigler told jurors that testimony would show Jada didn't die as portrayed by Castillo's then-boyfriend, Timothy Tkachik. He has pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent charges.

Prosecutor David Urbanski said the two were going to Chicago for heroin when they realized Jada wasn't breathing.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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