Jury Deliberations Underway In Bartlesville Murder Trial

A Washington County court jury is deliberating the fate of Bartlesville man charged with the murder of a 3-year old Bartlesville boy in December 2010. 

The defense put Joshua Benton, 24, on the witness stand Thursday morning.  He is charged with the death of Christian Norris.

On the stand, Benton denied using force on Norris and didn't know how the child got a spinal fracture which eventually led to his death.

During testimony for the state on Wednesday, the state Medical Examiner's Office said the boy's spinal fracture was not caused by a fall from a bed.

Police and firefighters also took the stand to testify about what they saw and heard the day they responded to the Bartlesville home of Benton's girlfriend on the day Norris died.

Following the ME's testimony, the state rested. 

The judge ruled the jury will have three verdict options; first degree murder of a child, 2nd degree manslaughter or not guilty.

2/21/2012 Related Story: Jury Selection Underway In Bartlesville Murder Trial