The fate of a Regina couple accused of abusing two young girls, one of whom died, is now in the hands of jurors.

The jury of six men and six women began deliberations Friday afternoon at the trial for Kevin and Tammy Goforth.

The couple is charged with second-degree murder in the death of a four-year-old girl and criminal negligence causing bodily harm involving her two-year-old sister. Both girls were in the Goforths’ care.

During closing arguments Thursday, defence lawyers told the jury that the Crown has not proven the couple intended to harm the children. The Crown says the girls weren’t given enough food, were kept in poor conditions and sometimes restrained.

In July 2012, the four-year-old girl was taken to Regina General Hospital, where she later died. Court heard the girl, who was malnourished and dehydrated, died of a brain injury after she went into cardiac arrest.

With files from The Canadian Press