A California mother is being accused of homicide after the simple act of breastfeeding turned tragic.
Charges have been filed against a mom in San Jose in connection with the death of one of her 8-month-old twin girls. 29-year-old Celina Juarez is accused of suffocating her baby daughter with her breast while trying to feed her.
Police went to a home on Hurlingham Way at about 3:15 p.m. on November 4 after a call about two unconscious infant twins. When officers arrived, they noticed one of the babies was not breathing. They began CPR on the child before paramedics arrived and administered additional lifesaving measures, the San Jose Police Department noted in a news release.
According to reports, she pressed Melani’s face into her skin and kept her down for 10 minutes as she “kicked” and “gasped for air,” becoming upset that the infant wouldn’t latch on to the nurse. Police claim that the mother killed her daughter on purpose because she was starving after going without food all day, reported DailyMail.
Then, the young mother of three tried to do the same when picking up the other twin, Zari. She attempted to suffocate them both and then waited for 20 minutes before calling her mother who came rushing over. After giving the children CPR, the mother turned to Celina’s brother who then dialed 911.
The two infants were subsequently brought to the hospital where Melani was later declared dead. Celina has been charged with murder and is being detained in jail. It is unknown if Celina has a lawyer and when her next court appearance will be.
The mother, however, is a kind and committed woman, according to the family, who was overburdened and overworked while attempting to take care of a toddler and twin infants.
Asserting that Celina needs “help not jail,” Artemio, Celina’s husband, is currently raising money for her defense on GoFundMe.
“Those who know her, know this is not in her character. She has devoted her entire life to children and her life revolves around our children and our family. There are two sides to every story and we need all the help we can get to give Celina the chance to say hers! This judgment is not right she is a victim here too,” he said.
The family’s fundraising goal is $10,000 and $3,800 was donated when this article was published.
Her friends have hurried to stand up for her, crafting character appeals to the judge.
“We love her and we know the truth, and we wish everyone can be more aware of mental health and that nobody is immune, she is going through a tragedy and she deserves the freedom and mental health services, not incarcerating her for an accident,” Jesus Carbajal said.
“This is a mother who needs help, not to be vilified,” said Crystal Conroy, another friend.
Watch the video report below for more details:
Sources: AWM, KRON-T, NBC Bay Area, Daily Mail