This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Mother accused of throwing her infant son to his death in Orange to be arraigned
Sonia Hermosillo
(
Orange County DA's Office
)
Noe Medina Jr. at 7-months-old. His mother Sonia Hermosillo is charged with murder and accused of tossing the baby from the roof of a parking structure to his death.
(
Orange County Police Department
)
Listen
0:48
Mother accused of throwing her infant son to his death in Orange to be arraigned
A mother charged with throwing her 7-month-old son from a parking structure roof to his death more than two years ago will be in court in Santa Ana Tuesday for arraignment.
Her attorney said Sonia Hermosillo will plead not guilty by reason of insanity to the two counts against her: murder and child assault causing death.
Earlier this year, three court appointed physiologists disagreed on her competency to stand trial, but a judge ordered the trial to go forward.
Hermosillo’s husband said his wife suffered from severe postpartum depression after their son was born.
Hermosillo's lawyer said the woman's family was desperately trying to get her psychiatric help prior to the incident.
Hermosillo's son was born with birth defects and wore a helmet, which she removed before she threw the boy from the fourth floor of the parking lot at Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
Prosecutors say the fact she removed the helmet demonstrates she knew what she was doing.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
