Coast trial begins for man charged in toddler’s death

ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) — A trial is underway for a man suspected in the death of a 2-year-old girl.

The Daily Astorian reports (http://bit.ly/2e0gNzO) 28-year-old Randy Lee Roden is expected to last two months and started with opening statements last Tuesday.

Defense attorneys say the child’s 26-year-old mother was responsible for Evangelina Wing’s death and that investigators treated her as a victim.

Prosecutors say Roden has a violent history and that he abused the toddler and her two brothers while he lived with the family.

Dorothy Wing pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and two counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment.

Her 15-year prison sentence is contingent on her testifying at Roden’s trial.

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Information from: The Daily Astorian, http://www.dailyastorian.com