NEW YORK, NY January 16, 2008 —Opening statements begin this morning in the murder trial of Cesar Rodriguez. The 29-year-old is accused of brutally beating his young stepdaughter, Nixzmary Brown, to death.

It's been 2 years since the 7 year-old was found dead inside the Bed-Stuy apartment where she lived.

The case led to dramatic reforms for the city's child welfare agencies.

Now a 12-person jury made up of mostly women and mothers will hear the murder case.

Rodriguez's attorney is expected blame the child's mother for the murder. Nixzaliz Santiago is awaiting trial on similar charges.