Trial to get underway for Banning couple accused of beating 2-year-old boy to death

RIVERSIDE - Trial proceedings are slated to get under way today for a Banning couple accused in the beating death of the woman's 2-year-old son.

Andrew Lee Payne, 24, could face 25 years to life in prison and Davia Damanique James, 23, could face 15 years to life behind bars if convicted in the death of the youngster, identified in court documents as John Doe. He died from severe head trauma last Nov. 11.

Payne is charged with second-degree murder, assault on a child resulting in great bodily injury, falsifying a prescription and possession of illegal drugs. James is charged with second-degree...