An investigator says drug paraphernalia used to shoot up heroin was found in the bedroom of an Albuquerque house where police found a 9-year-old the day he was beaten to death.
Detective Chad Stuart's testimony came during the trial Thursday for Stephen Causus, who is charged in connection with death of his stepson, Omaree Varela.
An emergency room pediatric nurse also testified, saying the boy had more pattern markings indicative of abuse than any patient she has treated in her career.
Causus' charges include child abuse resulting in death, tampering with evidence and bribery of a witness.
His attorneys contend the boy's mother is responsible for the victim's December 2013 death.
She is expected to stand trial separately.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.