A medical examiner called as a defense witness says that Nixzmary Brown?s death was not caused by child abuse syndrome.

Dr. Charles Welti, the former chief medical examiner for Suffolk County, testified Monday and Tuesday that a brain injury called subdural hematoma was the sole cause for 7-year-old Nixzmary?s death two years ago.

Cesar Rodriguez, the young girl?s stepfather, is on trial for her murder. His defense team argues that none of the abuse Nixzmary suffered at the hand of Rodriguez led directly to her death. They claim that the girl?s mother, Nixzaliz Santiago, dealt the fatal blow.

The city medical examiner testified previously that all of Nixzmary?s injuries, collectively known as child abuse syndrome, led to her death.

Attorneys: Witnesses not cooperating in Nixzmary case