Authorities have ordered three family members accused of the murder of a 3-year-old girl during an “exorcism” ritual at a San Jose church in 2021 to stand trial in the case.
Santa Clara County Judge Hanley Chew ruled on May 13 that there is sufficient evidence against the deceased girl's mother, Claudia Hernandez-Santos, 26; her uncle, René “Aarón” Hernández-Santos, 20 years old; and her grandfather, René Trigueros Hernández, 60, to proceed with a trial, according to court records.
The trio pleaded not guilty Monday to felony child abuse that resulted in the death of little Arely Naomi Proctor, according to court records obtained by The Mercury News. His next trial setting hearing is scheduled for August 14; The three are being held without bail, the outlet reported. If convicted, each faces 25 years to life in prison.
Proctor died on September 24, 2021 inside Iglesia Apóstoles y Profetas, a Pentecostal church led by Trigueros Hernández, authorities said. The family members were attempting to perform a ritual to exorcise a “demon,” during which prosecutors say they squeezed and strangled the young woman and tried to make her vomit.
The forensic report determined that Arely died of asphyxiation and had blood in her lungs, brain swelling, and wounds on her neck and inside her mouth, according to KRON4.
“During this assault, Arely Doe fought for her life while three trusted adults forcibly grabbed her by the neck, torso, back and legs, suffocated her by repeatedly trying to open her mouth to make her vomit, and held her down with such force. that he had internal bleeding and injuries,” said the Deputy Dist. Lawyer. Rebekah Wise wrote in a previous presentation.
During an earlier preliminary hearing, police detectives testified about interviews they had with family members after the girl's death.
Claudia Hernandez-Santos told police she believed her daughter was “possessed.”
“Arely looked different. Her eyes were different. They seemed empty and 'it wasn't her,'” she said, according to court records.
