Defense presents arguments in Waterloo father abuse trial

Devin Toler Sr., 25, is charged with multiple counts of child endangerment and child endangerment causing serious injury.

Prosecutors allege Toler, of Waterloo, was responsible for broken bones, facial scratches and bleeding from the eyes discovered on Devin Jr. during a November 2023 hospital visit when he was 2 months old.

On Friday, the defense began presenting its arguments, focusing on the child’s mother, who is not charged in the case.

The mother had previously testified for the state, telling jurors she did not know how the injuries occurred and recounting how she saw Toler press on the child’s eyes.

Testifying for the defense, a foster parent of one of the mother’s other children said the mother texted her saying she broke her arm carrying Devin Jr. up the stairs in October 2023.

The mother had previously denied sending such a text message while on the stand, and there was no evidence she had broken her arm.

Another defense witness on Friday — a pro bono lawyer involved in the family case involving the baby — said she found the mother to be a frequent liar.

Prosecution witnesses testified that the child’s injuries were consistent with child abuse.

Closing arguments in the case are scheduled for Tuesday.