The mother, who claims authorities owned her 7-year-old daughter at Van Nuisse’s apartment this month, announced Tuesday that she was charged with murder.
According to a news release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the prosecutors also charged Graciela Castellanos, 37, of Vannuis with felony assault on a child under the age of eight. Authorities allege that Castellanos owned his daughter, identified as Rebecca Castellanos, on April 11.
Los Angeles County Medical Inspectors determined the girl died of choking due to neck compression and drowsiness.
Castellanos pleaded not guilty during his arrest Tuesday, authorities said. She is in custody in lieu of $2 million bail.
If convicted, Castellanos faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
“The alleged facts of this incident, where a mother has been accused of intentionally taking the life of a young child, are extremely tragic and deeply unsettling,” said the Los Angeles County district. Atty. Nathan Hochman said in a news release. “Our sympathy is passed on to the family and loved ones of this young girl.
Castellanos’ fiance told ABC7 that he believes his partner suffers from “mental and emotional health issues” and “has been caused by deep depression after it was discovered that she would not become a legal resident.
Castellanos said, “He was an almost perfect mom. She never spoke any bad words. “She was the sweetest mom in the world.”
Source link
