Grandfather on trial in 5-year-old's death told God he 'didn't want to kill that child,' court hears

When Allan Perdomo Lopez told God he "didn't want to kill that child," he had no idea that Calgary police had placed listening devices in his minivan and home, including in his bedroom. 

On Monday, CPS intercepts recorded in those locations were played in court at Allan Perdomo Lopez's manslaughter trial. 

The 59-year-old is accused of beating Emilio Perdomo to death in July 2015. Emilio survived in hospital for eight days before dying.

"I wanted to help that child with all my soul, Lord you know," Perdomo Lopez said. "You know it, Holy Father. I would tell him, 'Papa behave,' Lord, I didn't want to kill that child."

"I ask this … forgiveness for what happened to this child. But if it was your will to take him, Holy Father, I cannot do anything, Christ of heaven."

Perdomo Lopez spoke Spanish in all 11 recordings played in court by prosecutors Vicki Faulkner and Shane Parker. The translation comes from an English transcript provided to the media.

Just five months before the boy's death, believing her son would have a better life in Canada, Emilio's mother sent him to live with his grandfather in Calgary.

Ultimately, Emilio died of a severe brain injury and head trauma but he had many other injuries that caused doctors to call in a child abuse expert.

Bruises were found on the five-year-old's forehead, behind his ear, on his chest, torso, elbow, upper arms, both knees, shins, calves, groin, the tops of his feet and on his back.

A scar on Emilio's forehead was in the process of healing, and his right elbow was so swollen, doctors were worried it was broken.

A large dark bruise on Emilio's upper left arm appeared to be an adult's grip mark.

The boy never regained consciousness after he was brought to hospital. When he died, he was surrounded by hospital staff with his mother on Skype so that she could say goodbye from Mexico.

Perdomo Lopez and his wife, Carolina Perdomo, told police and doctors that Emilio had fallen down a set of five stairs. But experts have testified that could not have caused his "catastrophic" head injury.

Carolina Perdomo was to go on trial alongside her husband but earlier this year her charge was stayed by the prosecution.

Parker and Faulkner have now rested the Crown's case.

Defence lawyer Darren Mahoney will now have the opportunity to call witnesses. It's not yet known if Perdomo Lopez will testify in his own defence.