Epping child abuse trial postponed 18-month-old child allegedly was severely beaten 18-month-old child allegedly was severely beaten

BRENTWOOD - The trial of an Epping woman accused of child abuse has been continued to March, as a witness for the prosecution is unavailable due to a medical issue.

Jury selection for the trial of Jami Castine, 28, of 97A Jenness Road, was scheduled for Monday, with opening statements expected after lunchtime. However, Rockingham County Attorney Patricia Conway said she requested a continuance as a material witness was unavailable.

"The state moved to continue because it is important for the state to present all of the relevant evidence to the jury in order to meet the state's burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt," Conway said.

Castine faces 17 charges, including five first-degree assault charges, for the crimes that allegedly occurred in March and April 2016. Police allege Castine assaulted an 18-month-old child on numerous occasions while she was caring for him at her home, and selling drugs while children were present in her home.

According to police affidavits, the investigation began April 8, 2016, when police, along with EMTs, were dispatched to the Castine home to investigate a report of a 3-year-old child seizing and becoming unconscious.

Police found the child was actually 18 months old, and on the ambulance ride saw he had bruising on both sides of his forehead and swelling above his ear, according to the affidavit. At Exeter Hospital, a brain abnormality was discovered and the child was eventually brought to Boston Children's Hospital because of the severity of his injuries. Doctors at Boston Children's found the child had bleeding on both sides of the brain, as well as two partially-detached retinas. According to police, the child is expected to have permanent vision impairment.

Doctors told police the child's injuries were likely caused by abuse, comparing the force of the injuries to falling out of a second-floor window onto concrete or being involved in a car crash while driving more than 80 mph.

Castine also faces a recent indictment of witness tampering, alleging she tampered with a witness in the abuse case.

A final pre-trial hearing is scheduled for March 8, with jury selection now beginning March 19 in Rockingham Superior Court.