A jury in Auckland has been told that the father of an 11-week-old baby slammed or forced her head against a hard surface with such violence that she never recovered.
Azees Mahomed, 31, is accused of murdering his daughter Tahani, who died from serious brain injuries on New Year's Day last year.
Mr Mahomed also faces charges of grievous bodily harm in relation to the head injuries and for allegedly breaking his daughter's leg.
He and his wife, Tabbasum Mahomed, 26, are jointly charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life for the child.
They have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Crown told the High Court jury on the opening day of the trial on Monday that within 11 weeks of Tahani's birth she was starved, neglected and left brain-damaged.
It said the baby was certainly killed by someone and it came down to either Mr or Mrs Mahomed.
