Nixmary Brown?s maternal grandmother returned to the witness stand on Thursday.

Maria Gonzalez testified that her grandchildren always feared their father, Cesar Rodriguez, who is on trial for the murder of his stepdaughter, Nixmary Brown. She claims that he always had complete control over the family?s food and medical care.

Defense attorneys are saying that she lied during her previous family court testimony when she said that recent visits to her daughter?s home were normal.

Gonzalez's testimony comes days after a secret witness claimed that Nixzmary?s mother, Nixzaliz Santiago, issued the fatal blow.

Cesar Rodriguez could face 25 years to life in prison.