The case of a man accused of severely beating a 7-year-old boy in October 2006 goes to trial today.

He faces a charge of class B felony battery resulting in serious bodily injury of a child under age 14.

McReynolds, 28, is accused of beating the boy on Oct. 12, 2006.

Investigators alleged the boy suffered bruises and wounds to his buttocks, and Evansville Police Department detective Mark Perry said the injuries were "like none I have ever seen in 13 years of police work."

During an interview with police, McReynolds told officers he and the child's mother whipped the boy lightly with a belt, and McReynolds beat him the next day with a large piece of wood.

Jury selection begins this morning in Vanderburgh Circuit Court in Jason W. McReynolds' case.

McReynolds reportedly asked investigators, "What kind of person am I, who does this to a kid," then cried.

The child had a large knot on his head, which McReynolds told police happened when he pushed the child, and he hit his head on the toilet.

The alleged beating took place eight months after McReynolds was honorably discharged from the Marines after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

John Brinson previously was appointed as public defender in the case. Vanderburgh County Deputy Prosecutor Mike Perry said the trial probably will last two days.