News

Mom of 'Baby Doe' says she saw ex-boyfriend kill her

BOSTON — The mother of a 2-year-old girl known as "Baby Doe" after her body washed up on a Boston Harbor beach has testified she saw her ex-boyfriend kill the girl.

Rachelle Bond told jurors during his murder trial Friday that Michael McCarthy punched her daughter, Bella, in the abdomen so hard that she bounced off a bed. She said McCarthy later told her: "It was her time to die. She was a demon."

Bond pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact for helping McCarthy dispose of her daughter's body.

Boston 25 News Live Stream

Mother of 'Baby Doe' takes the stand to testify against accused killer, Michael McCarthy.

Posted by Boston 25 News on Friday, June 2, 2017

Bond says she doesn't remember the date Bella died. She said on the day, McCarthy grabbed her by the throat and threatened her life.

Prior to detailing Bella's death, the district attorney asked Bond about her background, from when she was born, to how she met Bella's father and how she became involved with McCarthy. He also went over Bond's multiple charges and the other three children she lost custody of.

Her testimony is due to continue Monday.

McCarthy's lawyer told jurors Bond killed the girl.

A composite image of Bella Bond was shared by millions on social media after her body was found on Deer Island in 2015

PREVIOUS STORIES: 

>> Remains of toddler found in trash bag on Deer Island

>>Remember Me? New billboard hopes to remind public of 'Baby Doe'

>>'Baby Doe' identified, mother and mother's boyfriend arrested

>>Report: DCF did not properly assess risk at Bond home

>>Mother of Bella Bond to testify against boyfriend in murder trial

>>Timeline: The 'Baby Doe' investigation from the beginning


>> Want breaking news headlines delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter here