I don't think we will know the full story of what happened to Maliyah until we are able to read the autopsy report, the arrest affidavit or we hear it from investigators. According to the ME, her wounds were consistent with a metal hanger or an electrical cord. It was Thompson who stated that Ervin beat her with a hairbrush, and we already know he is deceptive.
And yes, his performance was laughable. He comes across as a liar and a con man, although a terrible one. He pointed fingers at LE, claiming the search dogs passed out and the helicopter ran out of gas. He set the stage early on that everything bad that happens is someone else's fault. A predator took Maliyah and police weren't searching properly for her. We've heard that story before.
He apparently already has five previous convictions, including assault with a deadly weapon. We don't know what the other charges are or who else he may have victimized. I'm surprised no one has found his previous record. I would be interested to know his criminal history since it began at such a young age.
I find it hard to believe that the beating was a one time occurance and he just stood by and watched as "his baby" was beaten and abused so severely that she had a broken arm. He would either try to intervene or he was a willing accomplice or participant himself.