Accused child murderer Cesar Rodriguez told police he had to tie up his stepdaughter Nixzmary Brown due to bad behavior, according to police statements read in court Friday.

Jurors at Rodriguez's murder trial listened as Detective Steven Sneider read statements the accused killer made to police out loud in court. Sneider quoted the defendant as saying the 7-year-old girl was becoming a "little devil" that "couldn't be controlled."

Photographs of Brown's bruised body were also shown. Witnesses say jurors cried while the defendant showed little emotion.

Sneider will be back on the stand Monday as prosecutors play a videotape of Rodriguez's statement. After the prosecution is finished, the detective will be cross-examined by the defense.

Authorities hope to wrap up Rodriguez's trial by next week. The trial of Brown's mother, Nixzaliz Santiago, is slated to begin after the conclusion of Rodriguez's.

AP wires contributed to this article.

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