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Jury selection continues today in the murder trial of Gionni Sellers, an Orange County man accused of the 2022 death of three-year-old Xavier Johnson. Prosecutors allege that Sellers, who was dating the child's mother, abused Xavier over several days while babysitting at her Wallkill apartment. The toddler suffered broken ribs and blunt force trauma to his head and body, according to an autopsy.
The case has been delayed due to a conflict involving Sellers' attorney, but now moves forward with jury selection. During the process, attorneys debated which evidence should be presented, including photos and videos of the child's injuries. Judge Craig Brown ruled that some evidence could be shown, while others would be excluded.
Prosecutors claim Sellers became angry after the child's mother friended an ex-boyfriend on social media, which led to the abuse. They also noted that Xavier's bruises were misdiagnosed by his pediatrician as a rash. Sellers, charged with murder with depraved indifference and manslaughter, pleaded not guilty. Opening statements are expected tomorrow, and the trial is anticipated to last through the end of the month.