A mother is accused of killing her daughter during an exorcism at a church in San Jose. Claudia Hernandez, along with her brother and father, allegedly believed that her 3-year-old daughter, Arely Naomi Proctor, was possessed by a demon. They are accused of killing the girl inside a small church, Iglesia Apostoles y Profetas.
Claudia has been in jail without bail for 30 months awaiting trial. Prosecutors want to keep her and her co-defendants in jail until the trial. The three have pleaded not guilty.
According to prosecutors, Claudia has not shown any remorse for the assault on Arely. She even bought a funeral dress for her daughter while she was still alive.
Claudia claimed she received a vision from God telling her that Arely needed to go to heaven. She believed her daughter was possessed because she was crying, screaming, and refusing to drink milk, which prosecutors say are typical behaviors for a three-year-old.
Arely tried to escape from her family during the assault in the church. Prosecutors argue that Claudia is a danger to the public, especially children, and a flight risk.
Arely’s uncle, Rene Hernandez Santos, and grandfather, Rene Trigueros Hernandez, also showed no remorse, according to prosecutors. Rene Hernandez Santos claimed to have special powers from God, including the ability to speak in tongues and heal.
Rene Trigueros Hernandez, the church’s former lead pastor, denies practicing exorcisms, as the church considers them to be diabolical rituals.
The trio is charged with assault causing the death of a child. They will remain in custody without bail until their next court appearance in August.