A medical examiner says two Detroit-area toddlers probably drowned before their bodies were scalded with hot water.

Dr. Carl Schmidt says the deaths of 13-month-old Johnathan Sanderlin and 15-month-old Ella Stafford were not an accident. He testified Monday at a court hearing to determine if their father, Steven Nicholson of Allen Park, will go to trial on murder charges.

Police say Nicholson drowned them on Oct. 19. Defense attorney William Winters III claims it was a "horrible accident," not a crime.

Schmidt says Johnathan had burns on 80 percent of his body while Ella had burns on 25 percent.

Friends and family told Nicholson they love him as he entered court. The judge immediately warned against any additional outbursts.