Jaquinn Brewton. Photo from ABC 6.

Jurors will begin deliberations today in the murder of 3-year-old Jaquinn Brewton, the toddler who died after his caretaker said he fell down the steps in the apartment building on the 4700 block of Chestnut Street where he lived. A horrific story of systematic abuse emerged during last week’s trial.

Jaquinn’s godmother and caretaker, 24-year-old Nadera Batson, was charged with murder after paramedics responded to the apartment on June 29, 2011 to find Jaquinn unconscious with several bruises and lacerations. He was placed on life support and died two weeks later. Batson said he had fallen down the steps. Jaquinn began living with Batson after his mother moved into a homeless shelter.

Batson’s boyfriend, 25-year-old Marcus King, pleaded guilty earlier to third degree murder charges. He testified that Batson repeatedly abused the child, who had speech and developmental delays.

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Mike Newell published a harrowing story yesterday that outlines the prosecution’s case. The story details routine abuse that included beatings and punishment involving a blowtorch.