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Medical experts testify child suffered injuries before her death

Wednesday, April 21, 1999 | 9:31 a.m.

The testimony on Tuesday came during the trial of Lonnie Tavares, 23, who is charged with murder for the 1998 death of his infant daughter, Chela.

Autopsy reports showed the little girl had 11 fractured ribs, a broken arm and bruises on her abdomen.

Deputy District Attorney Egan Walker said Tavares called his daughter a "demon doll" before he smothered her.

Tavares' lawyer, Deputy Public Defender Maizie Pusich, described her client as a "ninth-grade special-education dropout" and suggested the child's mother is to blame for the death.

She added that the child was seen by several doctors, nurses and medical professionals during her short life and none ever reported signs of abuse as required by law.

The case could go to the jury by the end of the week.

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