Mom accused of killing lady in Van Nuys struggled with psychological well being – NBC Los Angeles
The girl who was accused of killing her 7-year-old daughter after the lady was discovered lifeless within the bathtub of her Van Nuys residence struggled together with her psychological well being, in keeping with the kid’s stepfather.
Rebecca Castellanos was discovered lifeless on Friday, in keeping with police. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Workplace stated the lady died of asphyxiation because of neck compression and drowning. Her mom, 37-year-old Graciela Castellanos, was arrested on suspicion of drowning her.
The girl’s accomplice and stepfather to the lady spoke with NBC4’s sister station Telemundo 52 and stated he believes the mom’s struggles together with her psychological well-being drove her to kill her daughter.
“With passive bipolar dysfunction and the despair of doubtless being unable to grow to be a authorized resident, all of this drove her to do what she did,” the stepfather stated. He wished to remain nameless. “I’m positive she was out of her thoughts when she attacked the lady.”
He added that Graciela tried to take her personal life the night her daughter died.
“She was probably the most loving individual on the planet,” the person stated. “She by no means yelled, by no means stated a foul phrase, a lot much less hit her.”
A small memorial has been left outdoors the residence complicated the place the household lives. A stuffed animal, candles and a poster have been positioned in reminiscence of Rebecca.
Neighbors of the household have been left surprised by the tragedy. They described the household as humble and stated they have been shocked by what occurred.
“It’s a sense of disappointment as a result of my thought is that she was a mom who maybe had no assist in any respect,” stated Ana Diaz, a neighbor.
“It’s like a state of shock, one thing in my abdomen and in my coronary heart,” stated Norma Amador, one other neighbor. “It appears like a sense as a result of I’m a mom.”
The investigation is ongoing. Graciela is being held behind bars on $2 million bail.
