(Atlantic, Iowa) – Trial in the case of a Cass County woman charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment, continues 9-a.m. Monday, in Cass County District Court. Alison Dorsey, of Anita, is on-trial for the death of an infant who died while in her care a little more than two-years ago. She has pleaded not guilty.

According to court documents, Dorsey, who was 36-years old at the time, was managing a day care in Massena, when Nicholas Hodges dropped off his 11-week-old infant at 8 a.m. on Oct. 7, 2019. Around 11 a.m., Hodges reportedly received a call from Dorsey claiming his child was not breathing right and would not eat. When Hodges arrived at the day care, court documents say he found the child looking grey and not breathing. Hodges reportedly performed CPR and told Dorsey to call 911. The infant died the next day at a children’s hospital in Omaha.

Her trial began last Wednesday (Oct. 27) with opening statements from the Prosecution, represented by Assistant Attorney General Monty Platz, and the Defense, represented by DeShawne Lee Birdsell. Evidence presented from statements made by doctors at Children’s Hospital during the first day of testimony indicated the baby suffered from severe brain hemorrhages, retinal hemorrhages, and retinal tearing, conditions that are consistent with the shaken baby syndrome, from inflicted abusive head trauma. The doctors stated that the infant’s injuries were too severe to be caused by a fall off a table or another child.

Others who have testified since the opening day include: Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Ayers; a forensic pathologist and a doctor who spoke via Zoom. Both were called by the Defense in attempt to reject the possibility of Shaken Baby Syndrome and offer other possible reasons for how some of the injuries the baby suffered could have been made, including through medical treatment. The Defense will continue with the presentation of its case, Monday. The possibility of as many 50 character witnesses may be introduced during the trial this week, according to sources.