SAN ANTONIO -- The trial has started for a San Antonio man accused in a 2016 child abuse case in which a 4-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl were found in a backyard bound by their ankles and wrists.

Deandre Dorch's trial began Monday. The 38-year-old, charged with two counts of injury to a child-serious bodily injury, faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Bexar County sheriff's Deputy Luis Estrada choked up while testifying that the children were tied so tightly that they could barely move. Deputies also found six children between the ages of 10 months and 11 years by themselves inside the home.

Dorch and Porucha Phillips said they were watching the bound children for their friend, Cheryl Reed. Reed awaits trial. Phillips got 50 years in prison after pleading guilty in the case.