Law&Crime Sidebar Mom Accused of Killing Kid in Exorcism Makes Big Ask to Court
Jan 15, 2026
Civil rights attorney Joe Richardson joins to discuss a chilling case involving a family accused of killing a three-year-old girl during an exorcism. He explains the California Racial Justice Act and its potential application, addressing claims of bias against their religious beliefs and ethnicity. The conversation delves into the controversial framing of faith healing versus criminal conduct. Richardson also evaluates how religious defenses could impact legal outcomes and the implications for future cases, amid concerns about justifying harm under the guise of faith.
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Graphic Prosecutor Account Of The Assault
- The prosecution says three trusted adults forcibly restrained and smothered Areli, causing internal injuries and death.
- The evidence includes her saying no and being repeatedly rendered unconscious during the assault.
Racial Justice Act Expands Remedies For Bias
- The California Racial Justice Act lets defendants challenge convictions or sentences when race, ethnicity, or national origin biased the prosecution.
- It lowers the bar to show disparate impact and allows remedies from dismissal to sentence modification.
Bias Need Not Be Intentional Under RJA
- The RJA can be invoked for institutional or unintentional bias; intent is not required.
- This allows challenges based on disparate impact, not just deliberate discriminatory acts.