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Jury selection begins in 'Baby Doe' trial

BOSTON — Jury selection began Monday in the trial of a man charged in the killing of a 2-year-old girl whose body washed up on Deer Island.

Michael McCarthy is charged in the 2015 death of Bella Bond.

“This is the most horrific, monstrous and very very sad crime that took place. So I don't think we're going to find any jury that's going to be sympathetic to this kind of charge,” said Peter Elikann, defense attorney.

The girl was known as 'Baby Doe' for months as authorities struggled to identify her. A composite image of her was shared by millions of people on social media.

In court,  jurors were asked about their experience with substance abuse and whether they followed the case.

Rachelle Bond, Bella's mother, pleaded guilty to helping dispose of her daughter's body. As part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, Bond has agreed to testify against McCarthy.

"I am outraged. I'm sick to my stomach. I'm just disgusted. I'm angry," said Joe Amoroso, Bond's father.

Amoroso is also listed as a witness. He does admit that he was not in Bella’s life and has made mistakes, but he and his family will be in court every day.

"I feel like I should be here today to stand up for my daughter to see the justice that she deserves. I want to look Michael McCarthy in the face,” said Amoroso.

McCarthy has denied killing the girl. His lawyer has said Bond told McCarthy that Bella was taken away by the state Department of Children and Families.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in the same courtroom where the trial for Aaron Hernandez occurred a few months ago in Suffolk Superior Court.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.