The trial for a mother accused of murdering her 3-year-old daughter winds down as the defense asked the judge to drop the capital-murder charge. 

Yara Perez is on trial for the alleged murder of her daughter in November 2007. The toddler's body was found brutally beaten, stuffed inside a plastic box and placed in the trunk of Perez's car.

The defense and state rested their cases Thursday afternoon. Perez nodded her head to indicate she was OK.

The defense told the judge that the state didn't prove Perez had anything to do with the death of her daughter. The defense said Perez's then-boyfriend, Francisco Castaneda, killed Jackie Gonzalez.

Castaneda is currently serving a life sentence.

Perez claimed she didn't call 911 because she was abused by Castaneda during their relationship and was scared of him.

"She hides the child's body from authorities, aiding and abetting in this offense," prosecutors said.

The judge denied the request to drop the capital-murder charge. Closing arguments and the jury's deliberation will begin Friday morning.

If found guilty, Perez will receive an automatic life sentence.