Trial began this morning in the death penalty case against a Braddock man accused of killing his 2-year-old daughter.

William Page is accused of sexually assaulting Nyia Page and then leaving her body, clothed only in a sweater and diaper, outside in an overgrown playground in the early morning hours of Feb. 3, 2007.

She died from exposure.

During opening statements, Deputy District Attorney Mark V. Tranquilli told the jury that nearly immediately after Nyia was reported missing, police found several items in what Mr. Page referred to as his basement "dungeon" that were saturated with blood.

During an autopsy, a forensic pathologist was unable to find evidence of sexual abuse, but Mr. Tranquilli plans to call an expert to testify about the possible injuries Nyia suffered that may have been missed in the original examination. In addition, he told the jury that he will play for them a recorded confession made by Mr. Page in which he told police Nyia had angered him by taking off her diaper, so he kicked her between her legs, causing her to bleed, then walked her outside and left her there.

Mr. Tranquilli said there was no evidence of the kick but that Mr. Page made up the story to explain the blood that was found.

Defense attorney Christopher Patarini, who said his client will take the stand, urged the jury not to jump to conclusions. Instead, he said his client gave the false statement because he'd been isolated, subjected to repeated interrogation, was worried about his daughter and had been falsely accused of sexual assault of a 6-year-old boy in the home.

The case, before Allegheny County Judge David R. Cashman, is expected to last about two weeks.

Mr. Page is charged with criminal homicide, kidnapping, aggravated indecent assault, making false reports, indecent assault and corruption of minors.

If they find Mr. Page guilty, the jury of seven men and five women will have to decide whether he should be executed for his crime.

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