In a tragic incident that has left a community in shock, a woman stands accused of drowning her 7-year-old daughter in Van Nuys, Los Angeles.
The suspect, Graciela Castellanos, 37, is believed to have been deeply troubled by her immigration status, according to her fianc. The heartbreaking event unfolded on a Friday, with neighbors reportedly hearing the young girl pleading, "Mommy, please no. Mommy, please no," as the situation escalated.
As reported by The Blaze, Castellanos' fianc, who chose to remain anonymous, described her as a devoted mother despite her struggles with mental health. Speaking to KABC-TV's Leo Stallworth in Spanish, he expressed, "First, I want to say that my wife was an almost perfect mom. She never told a bad word, yelled at the girl, didn't hit her. She was the sweetest mom in the world." His words paint a picture of a woman who, despite her challenges, was deeply committed to her child.
The fianc recounted arriving at their apartment around 7 p.m., only to find law enforcement already on the scene. First responders had discovered the child's lifeless body in a bathtub, and she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. He further explained that Castellanos had experienced episodes of mental distress, during which she would isolate herself and scream, yet he insisted she had never exhibited violent behavior. The couple had been planning to marry in two months, with plans for him to adopt her daughter.
The Los Angeles Police Department has been reticent to release extensive details as their investigation continues. However, the fianc revealed that Castellanos had spiraled into a severe depression upon learning that her path to legal residency might be blocked. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the case, highlighting the potential impact of immigration uncertainties on mental health.
Currently, Castellanos is in custody, with bail set at $2 million. The community remains in mourning, grappling with the loss of a young life and the circumstances that led to such a devastating outcome. The incident underscores the need for a compassionate approach to immigration policies that considers the mental well-being of those affected.
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