Local

Emotional day in court over child abuse

UNION COUNTY — The trial of Joshua Houser is now underway in Union County. He's accused of seriously abusing his then stepdaughter Kilah Davenport. Kilah had severe brain damage and is now in a wheelchair.
 
It was an emotional day in court as the jury got to know Kilah before and after she was hurt. The prosecution is trying to prove Houser is responsible. His attorney isn't disputing the fact she was badly hurt but he suggests someone or something else is to blame.
 
During opening statements, the prosecutor told jurors that on May 16, 2012,  Kilah's mom was at work and Houser was watching the young girl. The prosecuter said in court that Kilah had an accident and in a rage Houser hurt her. Houser's attorney did not give an opening statement.
 
Kilah's grandmother, Leslie Davenport, took the stand first. During her testimony, the prosecutor brought Kilah in for the jury to see. Some jurors wiped tears away.
 
The 911 call from May 16 was played in court and several first responders testified about what they saw when they arrived on the scene.
 
Outside of court, Houser's family said they think he's innocent.

"I feel so sorry for that baby, that baby's confined to a body she can never ever come out of. And it is sad to see to know that someone could do that to that child. But Joshua was not the one that did this," said Charlotte Maynard, Houser's aunt.
 
Kilah's family could not speak with Channel 9 because several family members are testifying.