The police interrogation video of Brian Rutherford, accused of felony murder and aggravated child abuse in the death of his former girlfriend’s baby, shows a calm, young man who repeatedly denies that he had anything to do with the death of Sierra Carpenter.

The trial broke for lunch today in the middle of the video, where Mr. Rutherford is being questioned by Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Det. Brian Ashburn.

Previous medical testimony indicates the 18-month-old suffered extreme abuse sustaining bruises all over her body as well as inside both of her ears. Doctors said that indicated a “shaken traumatic event” that led to her death in April 2006.

The toddler’s mother, Traci Carpenter, is not charged in her daughter’s death but has been charged with felony aggravated child neglect.

She is expected to testify against Mr. Rutherford on Monday.

See tomorrow’s Times Free Press for complete details.