Toddler death trial hears recorded call involving Keene detective and defendant

A pediatrician told the court that the toddler arrived cold and unable to breathe without assistance, and that the brain injury was so severe it never improved.

The trial over the death of Luca Hudson continued Wednesday with jurors hearing a recorded phone conversation between a Keene detective and Annthoni Bliss, who is charged in connection with the toddler’s death.

Prosecutors say Bliss caused the injuries that led to Luca’s death while the child’s mother was away and then failed to reveal what happened soon enough to save him. The defense has rejected that account, telling the court there is not enough evidence to show anyone physically struck the child and suggesting the injuries may have come from another cause.

During the call, Detective Jen Truman questioned Bliss about the night Luca was allegedly hurt. Bliss responded that the detective had already asked the same questions and said he had been on FaceTime with his sister that evening. Truman later said that, after reviewing the phone, she did not find evidence of calls or a FaceTime session.

The state also presented testimony from Dr. Kelly Corbett, a pediatric critical care doctor who oversaw the intensive care unit at Dartmouth Hitchcock when Luca was treated. Corbett told the court that the toddler arrived cold and unable to breathe without assistance, and that the brain injury was so severe it never improved.

The proceedings are scheduled to resume Thursday.