A foster parent whose trial began this week on sexual abuse charges has died.

Police say Gilberto Rios was charged with sexually abusing a 3-year old girl in his care.

In the first three days of the trial, a jury heard from two other children who claimed Rios sexually abused them while in the care of a foster home he and his wife ran.

Rios was found dead by police early on Thursday morning. Officials say his death was self-inflicted.