New court documents reveal that a 3-year-old child tried to escape a California church where her mother, uncle, and grandfather were performing an exorcism to get rid of a 'demon.'
On April 3, the Santa Clara County District Attorney filed a 50-page memo detailing events leading up to Arely Naomi Proctor Hernandez's death.
This was previously reported by CrimeOnline.The family reportedly performed a ceremony to rid Arely of 'evil spirits'.
In September 2021, firefighters found the victim dead and injured on the church's altar.This was reported by KRON 4.
Arely's mother, Claudia Elisa Hernandez, believed her daughter was possessed due to strange behavior and appearance.
Claudia stated that her daughter's eyes looked empty and her screams were different.
Hernandez visited the church after her daughter bit her finger while trying to make her vomit. Her brother, Rene 'Aaron' Hernandez Santos, claimed to have 'divine gifts' and attempted to help.
The duo tried to make Arely vomit by forcefully inserting their fingers and hands into her throat and holding her down for hours, resulting in various injuries.
At 12:20 p.m., the victim's grandfather and church pastor, Rene Trigueros Hernandez, arrived to assist with the exorcism.
The pastor compared their actions to those of Jesus and stated that they only acted based on God's will.
The family waited hours before calling 911 after the child lost consciousness.
Arely struggled while her family held her in a 'Superman' position, screaming 'No' and telling her mother 'I love you'.
Judge Hanley Chew will decide if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Claudia, Aaron, and Rene Hernandez have pleaded not guilty to felony assault on a child under eight resulting in death.
A preliminary hearing took place in March, but the judge will announce the ruling on May 10.