The Santa Monica mother accused of killing her 15-month-old daughter appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Thursday and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Carmen Anita Degregg, 24, sat quietly in a yellow jail-issued jumpsuit and shackles as she faced a judge on charges of murder and felony assault of a child under 8 causing death. When asked how she pleaded, her attorney answered on her behalf.
“We enter a not guilty plea,” public defender Ivonne De La Cruz told the court.
Degregg spoke only once during the brief hearing, responding “Yes” when the judge asked whether she agreed to set a preliminary hearing date for April 23.
Prosecutors allege that Degregg killed her toddler on January 6 inside her Santa Monica apartment. Authorities claim the child was fatally injured with a frying pan inside the upscale complex, where monthly rent for studio units reportedly starts around $3,200.
According to Santa Monica police, Degregg was arrested after approaching officers on the UCLA campus and telling them she had hurt her child and that the toddler was inside her apartment. Officers responded to the residence and found the little girl gravely injured. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Before entering the plea, Degregg’s attorney asked the court to prevent media photography, arguing that images could potentially impact a future jury pool. The judge denied the request and left bail set at $2 million.
If convicted, Degregg faces 25 years to life in prison.
“When a parent is accused of causing a child’s death, our office has a duty to act decisively and to seek the maximum accountability permitted by law,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said following her arrest.
The case remains ongoing.
I am sure she would like to be beaten by the same pan
Hit her repeatedly with a frying pan until she’s on the brink. Give her a few days to recover. Repeat.