SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WALA) – A Milton mother charged with second-degree murder in the death of her 6-year-old daughter appeared by video from the Santa Rosa County Jail for a pretrial detention hearing Monday, as prosecutors filed a motion outlining new details in the case.
Investigators say April Oliva stabbed her daughter, Valerie Oliva, to death last Tuesday around midnight at their home on Nowling Drive. Oliva spent one day in the hospital for what authorities describe as self-inflicted wounds before being booked into jail.
New details in court filing
According to statements in a pretrial detention motion filed by the State Attorney’s Office, investigators say Valerie was found with 40 stab wounds — twice the number previously estimated. Investigators say they found two knives inside the home, one in the kitchen and another in the dining room.
Records show that while April Oliva was being transported to the hospital, she said she knew she would be going to jail.
Competency evaluation requested
Assistant State Attorney Mark Alderman said Oliva’s public defender requested a mental evaluation to determine her level of competency. Alderman said evidence is still being gathered and reviewed…