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Sister testifies in 'tortured' toddler trial, says she saw father slam girl against wall

Posted at 4:35 PM, Sep 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-21 19:22:32-04

CINCINNATI -- The sister of a girl police said was killed by her father testified in court Wednesday.

Glenara Bates' 10-year-old sister said she witnessed Glen Bates swing the toddler by the legs and bang her head against a wall until she stopped crying. 

The next morning, the girl said she saw her mother, Andrea Bradley, holding her baby sister. The toddler's eyes were closed and she wasn't moving.

An autopsy revealed months of torture, authorities said. The 2-year-old had bruises, bite marks and cuts from head to toe. Several of her teeth were missing. The cause of death was starvation; she weighed only 17 pounds.

MORE: Father accused of 'torturing' 2-year-old Glenara Bates to death goes on trial

Bates faces charges of aggravated murder, murder and felony child endangerment.

His attorneys argued that he may have been negligent and reckless, but he did not murder Glenara. They blamed Bradley, who suffers from depression and bipolar disorder.

Bradley has also been charged in Glenara's death.

If convicted, the parents could face the death penalty.

The trial is scheduled to resume Thursday morning. Prosecutors said they have several more witnesses to testify.