Jury selection in the case of Cesar Rodriguez, accused of murdering 7-year-old Nixzmary Brown two years ago, concluded Tuesday.

The jury consists of 11 women and one man, with four women and two men as alternates. Attorneys on both sides questioned potential jurors on issues of child-rearing and punishment before agreeing on the final 12.

According to defense attorney Jeffrey Schwartz, lawyers for both sides preferred selecting female jurors thinking that they will be more open and fair-minded in judging the facts of the case.

Rodriguez faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted of murdering his young stepdaughter in their Greene Avenue home. However, defense attorneys will try to lay the blame at the feet of the girl?s mother, Nixzaliz Santiago. Santiago faces murder charges of her own in a trial that will begin after Rodriguez?s ends.

Opening arguments are expected to begin Wednesday.