Jurors deliberate on retrial of Gwinnett County man in daughter's death

ATLANTA, Georgia (Atlanta News First) – A Gwinnett County father will face a jury for a second time in connection with the death of his daughter.

The jury in the trial against Cledir Barros began its deliberations early Tuesday afternoon. Barros is accused of child abuse in connection with the death of his eight-year-old daughter Sayra.

Barros is is on trial for the second time after a mistrial was declared in mid-August and the murder charge was dropped.

Gwinnett County investigators said that on Jan. 30, Cledir's stepmother and wife, Natiela Barros, who is charged with murder, became angry with the 8-year-old and allegedly hit her in the neck 10 to 20 times with a rolling pin. Then Natiela called Cledir at work. When he got home, he allegedly prayed for Sayra for 10 to 20 minutes before calling 911, investigators said.

Natiela did not appear in court with Cledir.

On Monday, Cledir took the stand, testifying that his wife admitted to the crime and that he had nothing to do with it.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.

All rights reserved.