Jurors have concluded their first day of deliberations without a verdict at the trial of the stepfather accused of torturing and killing 7-year-old Nixzmary (NIX'-mahr-ee) Brown.

The jury began deliberating Thursday afternoon in state Supreme Court in Brooklyn and will resume Friday.

Prosecutors allege Cesar Rodriguez killed the starving child in January 2006 after catching her stealing yogurt and tried to blame the girl's mother.

A defense lawyer described Nixzmary as unruly and cast the defendant as an overwhelmed family man. The lawyer said Rodriguez beat the girl but that her mother was the killer.

Rodriguez has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.