Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman has confirmed the charging of 37-year-old Graciela Castellanos in the drowning death of her 7-year-old daughter. The incident, which occurred in Van Nuys on April 11, has sent ripples throughout the community for its disturbing nature. In a statement obtained by the DA's office, Hochman detailed the charges as one felony count of murder and one felony count of assault on a child under 8 years old resulting in death.
The response from the District Attorney's Office to the fatal situation was swift. Castellanos allegedly murdered her young daughter at their apartment. "The alleged facts of this case — where a mother is accused of intentionally taking the life of her young child — are profoundly tragic and deeply unsettling," Hochman stated. The accused, Graciela Xiomara Castellanos (dob 5/11/87), pleaded not guilty at her arraignment and will return to court for a preliminary hearing setting on June 17. Bail has been set at $2 million.
The young victim was pronounced dead on the scene by first responders, marking a sorrowful end to a short life. Castellanos faces a stern punishment if found guilty. The maximum sentence is 25 years to life in state prison. The case, which is being investigated with public attention and concern, is prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney MacKenzie Teymouri from the Family Violence Division/Complex Child Abuse Section and was diligently investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department Juvenile Division.
"Our sympathy goes out to the family and loved ones of this young girl, whose life was cut short far too soon," Hochman emphasized in the official statement.
