The mother and stepfather accused of killing 7-year-old Nixzmary Brown appeared in court Tuesday for a pretrial hearing.

Nixzaliz Santiago and Cesar Rodriguez are both charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter along with a host of other charges. Rodriguez is accused of binding, beating and molesting Nixzmary in their Bedford-Stuyvesant home in January. The defense attorney for Santiago says he plans to argue that his client is innocent, claiming she is a victim. He intends to mount a psychological defense with claims Santiago was controlled by Rodriguez and did nothing but try to protect her kids from a bully.

However, Rodgriguez's lawyer says Santiago was complicit in the ongoing abuse. He claims Santiago shows no signs of fear that would go along with being bullied.

So far, no decision has been made as to whether they will stand trial at the same time but with separate juries. The next hearing is scheduled for June 26.

Related Information