Zyriah H. Schlitter

Join Trish Mehaffey’s live coverage from the courtroom when opening statements in the Zyriah Schlitter murder trial begins 9 a.m. today. Viewers can join Mehaffey’s blog and offer comments and ask her questions about the trial.

Schlitter, 25, of Cedar Rapids, charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment, is accused of killing his daughter Kamryn Schlitter March 28, 2010. According to investigators, Kamryn suffered a subdural hematoma on the left side of her head and severe bruising on her neck, chin, underarms and her chest. She died of severe head trauma.

Schlitter’s ex-girlfriend, Amy Jo Parmer, 29, of Hiawatha,  is also charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment. Her trial is set Jan. 14, 2013.

According to the criminal complaint, Schlitter and Parmer, either individually or jointly, inflicted the fatal injuries to Kamryn, knowingly permitted the other co-defendant to abuse her and/or failed to protect the child from the other co-defendant.

The trial is expected to last more than two weeks.