McGaskey murder trial continues over 11-year-old’s death

Camisha McGaskey is on trial in Horry County, South Carolina, accused of murdering A’Kyri Bell, the 11-year-old girl in her care, and facing additional charges including obstruction of justice, human trafficking and unlawful conduct toward a child. Prosecutors have presented testimony from school staff, investigators, medical witnesses and co-defendants who pleaded guilty in related cases; one testified that McGaskey repeatedly abused Bell. Evidence discussed in court includes Bell’s blunt-force injuries, blood identified as hers on items allegedly removed from the home, witness accounts and cellphone data, though investigators were unable to retrieve footage from home cameras. The defense has challenged some evidence and testimony, while the judge has allowed certain hospital photographs and limited the prosecution’s use of videos. Separate investigations connected to the case have also led to charges involving alleged child labor and human trafficking.