Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020 | 6:30 p.m.
ELKO — A 61-year-old Elko County woman accused of killing her adult daughter with autism in June has pleaded not guilty to one count of open murder.
Judith Zavala entered the plea Monday during her arraignment in Elko County District Court for the strangulation death of 24-year-old April Zavala, the Elko Daily Free Press reported.
Court documents indicate the mother told police she didn't call 911 because she “panicked” after she “snapped” during a struggle with April when she tried to get her out of bed and dress her on June 14.
She told police her daughter was autistic from the age of 3. But her behavior had worsened in recent months, with “fits and outbursts,” forcing Judith Zavala to begin caring for her 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Judith Zavala told police her daughter stopped breathing and fell to the floor.
The Elko County public defender’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday from The Associated Press.
