EPHRATA, Wash. - Maribel Gomez, who is on trial for homicide by abuse of her own son, says the little boy caused his own injuries.

2-year-old Rafael "Raffy" Gomez died in September 2003. The medical examiner concluded he died of blunt force trauma.

Earlier this week, Maribel Gomez, 32, took the stand in her own defense. Raffy's biological father also testified on her behalf.

In his short 25 months, Raffy suffered broken bones, skull fractures and severe burns. Through an interpreter, Gomez explained some of Raffy's injuries, claiming the boy often burned himself by spilling hot food.

"Raffietta had come behind me and, when I turned around, Raffieta had already pulled one of the plates...from the table," she said.

Gomez said the toddler was self-destructive. She said she reported the behavior to social workers.

Gomez's trial resumes on Monday. If found guilty, she faces up to 26 years in prison.

Last month, a judge ordered Gomez to be jailed to prevent her from being deported to Mexico before her trial ends. The judge made the decision after Grant County prosecutors complained that federal immigration authorities wanted to take her to Seattle for a deportation hearing.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officials announced Gomez would not be deported until after her trial. Agency spokeswoman Lori Haley said if Gomez is convicted, she would be required to serve her sentence before being deported.

Defense attorney Robert Moser said Gomez, from Mexico, is not a legal U.S. Resident. She has never violated her conditional release and has not tried to leave the country, Moser said.