Defense in Bella Bond murder trial rest its case, closings set for Tuesday

BOSTON — The defense in the Bella Bond murder trial wrapped up its case Monday and judge Janet Sanders has scheduled closing arguments for Tuesday morning.

On Friday the prosecution rested its case against Michael McCarthy, the man accused of killing the little girl the world once knew as “Baby Doe” after her body was found in a garbage bag on Deer Island in 2015.

McCarthy’s defense called its first witness and is focusing on lies and false statements made by Rachelle Bond, the mother of 2-year-old Bella.

McCarthy’s team claims Bond, McCarthy's ex-girlfriend, is the real killer and that she told police her daughter was with family members in the months after she was killed.

McCarthy elected not to testify in his defense Monday morning.

He is charged with first degree murder in Bella’s death, though the prosecution had lobbied for the addition of an involuntary manslaughter charge as an option Friday.

Judge Janet Sanders will issue a ruling on whether the involuntary manslaughter charge may be considered Monday.

Prosecutors said he beat the toddler to death and then dumped her body in Boston Harbor.

>> 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

Cox Media Group