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Mom Accused of Throwing Her Disabled Infant Off a Parking Structure Enters Insanity Plea
A La Habra mother accused of fatally tossing her disabled infant son off a parking structure entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity in court Wednesday.32-year-old Sonia Hermosillo underwent a mental health evaluation last year to determine if she was able to stand trial.
Hermosillo was reportedly distraught that her son was born with a disability that forced him to wear a helmet and receive physical therapy at the hospital. Her husband, Noe Medina, has noted that his wife suffered postpartum depression and did not know what she was doing when she threw the couple's infant son from the roof of a parking structure.
The baby, Noe Medina Jr., died two days later of his injuries.
Hermosillo's attorney Jacqueline Goodman also asserts her client is mentally ill and suffering from postpartum psychosis.
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Prosecutors, however, allege Hermosillo simply didn't want to care for the baby, particularly considering his extensive special needs.
The OC Register explains what Hermosillo's plea today entails for the suspect:
Hermosillo's not guilty by reason of insanity plea means she will face two trials, the first on guilt or innocence on the charges. If she is found guilty, the same jury then will be asked to determine if she was sane at the time of the crime.
If convicted, Hermosillo faces 25 years to life in prison.
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