SHELBY, N.C. -- The trial for Chad Barrow, the Shelby man accused of killing his five-month-old son two years ago, began this week. He is charged with first-degree murder and could face life in prison without parole if convicted.

On Aug. 22, 2007, emergency personnel responded to a call about a baby not breathing, according to police. The boy, Jace Barrow, was taken to Cleveland Regional Medical Center and then to Carolinas Medical Center, where he died, police said.

Barrow appeared visibly upset Wednesday when autopsy photos and emergency room pictures of his son were shown in court.

Lindsey Kiser, Barrow’s former girlfriend and the child’s mother, also fought back emotions as the photos were shown. She plans to testify against Barrow.

A prosecutor showed a photo of the child with a bruise on his nose and a ring under his eye. A witness said those injuries occurred while the child was home alone with Barrow.

Doctors testified about the bruises on his head, neck and ear.

Barrow’s attorney said the young father stepped outside of his home to smoke, and found the child slumped over in his swing when he returned. The attorney also said the child bruised easily.

Prosecutors said the child did not die from typical bumps and bruises.