NEW BOSTON, Texas-Opening statements and testimony are expected to begin this morning in the trial of a Texarkana man accused of killing a toddler in November 2015.
Michael Moore, 26, faces 5 to 99 year or life with the possibility of parole if found guilty of causing blunt-force injuries to 2-year-old KaDerious King. When King was rushed to the hospital Nov. 21, 2015, medical personnel believed the boy was the victim of choking, according to a probable cause affidavit used to create the following account. But when the results of the child's autopsy were received, investigators became aware KaDerious died of blunt-force trauma.
Investigators believe Moore is the only person who had access to the boy when he was injured at the home where he lived with his mother in the 1000 block of Waterall Street in Texarkana, Texas. According to the affidavit, KaDerious suffered, "numerous hemorrhages and contusions on the head and trunk."
Jury selection was held Tuesday before 202nd District Judge John Tidwell at the Bowie County courthouse in New Boston. Seven men and five women were chosen to decide the case. Moore is represented by First Assistant Public Defender Will Williams. First Assistant District Attorney Michael Shepherd and Assistant District Attorney Katie Carter are handling the case for the state.
Because the state is not seeking the death penalty, Moore faces 5 to 99 years or life with the possibility of parole if found guilty of capital murder.