“‘Okay, baby. You have to go.’ Mom accused of killing toddler during exorcism claims her ‘absolute belief’ in the supernatural should get case dismissed”
Left to right: Rene Trigueros Hernandez, Rene Hernandez Santos, Claudia Hernandez-Santos (San Jose Police Department).
Posted For: Hauviette
Claudia Hernandez, 29, remains in custody in connection with the 2021 death of her niece, Arely Naomi Proctor, who died during a prolonged religious ritual at a church in San Jose, according to prosecutors.
Authorities say the incident occurred over roughly 20 hours and ended at Iglesia Apostoles y Profetas, a church then led by Hernandez’s father, Rene Trigueros Hernandez, 63. He and Hernandez’s brother, Rene “Aaron” Hernandez-Santos, 23, are also charged in the case. All three defendants face felony charges of child abuse resulting in death.
Prosecutors allege the family believed Arely was possessed by a demon and subjected her to a ritual described as an exorcism. The child died on the church altar, police said.
Attorneys for Claudia Hernandez have now asked a judge to dismiss the case under California’s Racial Justice Act (RJA), according to a court filing obtained by KRON. The RJA, passed in 2020, is intended to prevent racial bias in the criminal justice system. A violation may occur if law enforcement or prosecutors demonstrate bias based on a defendant’s race, ethnicity, or national origin.
In a 109-page motion, defense attorneys argue that investigators and prosecutors showed prejudice toward the family’s religion and cultural background. The filing claims the ritual was a sincere religious practice rooted in Pentecostal Christianity and not intended to cause harm. Hernandez’s father, a pastor, reportedly had performed similar rituals in El Salvador, where the family has roots.
The defense further alleges that law enforcement demonstrated bias by questioning the family’s mental health and referring to the church as “makeshift.”
Attorneys for Rene Trigueros Hernandez stated that he believed he was acting in accordance with his faith and attempting to protect his granddaughter, though they acknowledge the outcome was tragic.
Prosecutors strongly dispute these claims. In previous filings, Deputy District Attorney Rebekah Wise stated that the child endured a prolonged and violent assault and that none of the adults attempted lifesaving measures. Prosecutors have also said Claudia Hernandez showed no remorse and believed her actions were justified.
Court documents allege Hernandez claimed to have received visions from God prior to the child’s death and had purchased a funeral dress in advance.
A judge is scheduled to hear arguments regarding the alleged RJA violations on January 22.
All three defendants remain charged with felony child abuse causing death.
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