The parents of an 11-month-old murder victim were among prosecution witnesses who testified Monday in 42nd District Court in the punishment hearing for convicted murderer Justin Hill.

Hill pleaded guilty in March to killing Cai Cardwell, his girlfriend's son, in 2004. Hill was babysitting the boy while the mother, Corey Lee Little, was at work.

Hill had been indicted on a charge of capital murder, but his guilty plea to first-degree murder avoided a trial.

On Aug. 11, 2004, Hill took the boy to Hendrick Medical Center.

From Hendrick, the boy was flown to Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, where he remained until his death.

Hill graduated in 1999 from high school in Colorado City, where he was quarterback on the football team. He later played football at Hardin-Simmons and McMurry universities in Abilene.

District Attorney James Eidson said he will call a pathologist to the stand at 9 a.m. today, after which the defense will begin. Defense witnesses' testimony is expected to take a day to a day and a half, he said. Sweetwater attorney John Young represents Hill.

Punishment for first-degree murder ranges from five to 99 years, or life, with probation possible. A fine of up to $10,000 may also be assessed.