ATLANTA, Georgia (Atlanta News First) – A metro Atlanta father is on trial for the murder of his 8-year-old daughter in Gwinnett County, and the girl’s stepmother is also accused of murder.

Cledir Barros is on trial in connection with the murder of eight-year-old Sayra.

Investigators said stepmother Natiela Barros was angry with Sayra on January 30 and allegedly hit her on the neck 10 to 20 times with a wooden rolling pin.

Detective Angela Carter took the stand to answer questions from the prosecution about her findings during her investigation.

“He said she had an anger problem, and she said the aggression stemmed from the fact that she was another woman’s child at the time of their separation,” Carter said.

After Sayra fell unconscious, Natiela called Cledir. When he got home, he reportedly prayed for Sayra for 10 to 20 minutes before calling 911.

The homicide detective testified that Cledir told her that the child’s stepmother had suffered from anger issues and that there had been previous signs of abuse.

“He mentioned an incident where Sayra got in trouble at school for stealing and when the school called, the mother went too far and hit her in the neck, causing her to jump and fall down a flight of stairs,” Carter said.

The girl’s father has been charged with premeditated murder and two counts of child abuse. The stepmother could take the stand as early as Friday.

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