Jury Begins Deliberating In Bella Bond Murder Trial

Jury deliberations have begun in the trial of Michael McCarthy, accused of murdering 2-year-old Bella Bond, whose remains were found on Deer Island in 2015.

Earlier today, both sides presented closing arguments. Defense attorney Jonathan Shapiro focused on Rachelle Bond, the toddler's mother, saying, "In the end the monster came for this little girl — and it was her mother. Michael McCarthy is innocent and the real person who should be on trial is Rachelle Bond."

Suffolk District Attorney David Deakin argued that, "People don't dump bodies to cover up evidence of innocence. People dump bodies to cover up evidence of guilt." He added, "There is absolutely no question that the defendant dumped Bella Bond's body. And there is absolutely no question therefore that he murdered the child."

Jurors now must decide between first-degree murder, second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter or not guilty.

Susan Zalkind, reporter covering the case for The Daily Beast. She tweets @susanzalkind.