California – A California parent was arrested on suspicion of kiIIing her child, 7, in the family’s apartment. Authorities in California responded to a call around6 p.m. at an apartment complex. Upon arrival, officers discovered the child unresponsive. The 7-year-old girl, Rebeca, was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to authorities, the child was found by a man residing in the apartment, who immediately contacted emergency services. The Homicide Division has taken charge of the investigation. The 38-year-old parent, GracieIa, was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of murder, with bail set at $2 million.
The motive behind the alleged act remains under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that the parent may have been experiencing personal and legal stressors. Her boyfriend indicated that frustration over her Iegal status in the United States might have contributed to her mentaI state leading up to the incident.
The defendant’s boyfriend also told investigators that the woman had ongoing mental and emotional health struggles, which at times led her to scream or isolate herself until she calmed down. He said the two were planning to get married in about two months, after which he intended to adopt the woman’s child. According to him, the woman may have fallen into a deep depression after learning that she herself might not become a legal resident, and that this may have led her to drown the child.
Authorities in California have not released the name of the victim, adhering to protocols that protect the identities of minors. However, multiple reports have identified the child as Rebeca. The community has expressed shock and sorrow over the incident, with neighbors and local residents mourning the loss of the young girl.
“With passive bipoIar disorder and the depression of potentially being unable to become a Iegal resident, all of this drove her to do what she did. I’m sure she was out of her mind when she attacked the girl,” the defendant’s boyfriend, who chose to remain anonymous, reportedly said.
The boyfriend also said the woman suffers with mentaI and emotionaI heaIth issues, causing her to, at times, scream and isoIate herself until she calms down. The man says she was never violent during the episodes.
As the investigation continues, authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including any prior reports of domestic issues or mental health concerns. The case has drawn attention to the importance of mental health support and the challenges faced by individuals dealing with legal and personal hardships.
At the time of the drwning, a neighbor told local news outlet she heard the young child screaming: ‘moommy, please no’.
Castellanos remains in custody as the legal process unfolds. The LAPD urges anyone with information related to the case to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.
