Trial is underway for a St Joseph man charged with child abuse resulting in death.  Roy Miller waived his right to a jury trial, so a bench trial got underway Monday before Circuit Judge Randall Jackson.

Prosecutors say one-year-old Carter Lizar died after an incident inside a mobile home on Monterey Street in August of last year.  The child was choking and suffered from numerous bruises on the head and neck when paramedics transported him to the hospital.  He died at Children’s Mercy Hospital a few days later.

The child’s mother Sasha Lizar pleaded guilty last year to endangering the welfare of a child, by using methamphetamine and leaving the youngster in bad company at a meth house.  A judge told her she had no business raising a child, and sentenced her to seven years in prison.

Mr Miller’s trial is scheduled to last through Thursday according online court records.  He could face 10 to 30 years, or life in prison, if convicted.