The murder trial for Justin Laurens Stein, 33, charged with the death of nine-year-old Charlise Mutten, is underway.

Stein has accused Charlise's mother, Kallista Mutten, of being the true perpetrator, stating she shot her daughter.

The pair, who entered a relationship after meeting in prison, are embroiled in a dispute over who is responsible for the crime.

Evidence includes CCTV of Stein with a boat and barrel, which is believed to have contained Charlise's body, and his purchase of sand, presumably used to weigh down the barrel.

Stein's initial claim suggested a link to his criminal past as a potential cause for Charlise's disappearance, but his account later shifted to blame Kallista Mutten, with him aiding in disposing of the body.

The defense argues Stein was covering for Ms. Mutten, suggesting she had the motive for the murder.

The proceedings are set to continue for a duration of six weeks.