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- Mom in ‘deep depression’ charged with drowning her 7-year-old daughter in a bathtub (the-independent.com)
Van Nuys Mother Accused of Drowning 7-Year-Old Daughter
A Van Nuys mother has been charged with the murder of her 7-year-old daughter, who was found unresponsive in a bathtub on April 11. Graciela Castellanos, 37, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday to charges of murder and assault on a child under 8 causing death.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, police and paramedics responded to the family’s apartment on April 11, where the young girl was pronounced dead at the scene. District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman described the case as “profoundly tragic and deeply unsettling.”
Castellanos’ fiancé, who was not identified, spoke to news outlets, claiming Castellanos had been struggling with a “deep depression” related to potential immigration issues. He described her as an “almost perfect mom” and said the couple had been planning to marry and that he intended to adopt the girl. He also stated that Castellanos experienced episodes of emotional distress but had never been physically abusive towards the child.
Castellanos is being held on $2 million bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 17. If convicted, she faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
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- Mom in ‘deep depression’ charged with drowning her 7-year-old daughter in a bathtub (the-independent.com)