May 29, 2008 5:22 pm US/Pacific
Teen Pleads Not Guilty To Mom's Hammer Killing
SAN DIEGO (AP) ―
A 14-year-old San Diego girl has pleaded not guilty to charges that she murdered her mother with a claw hammer and assaulted her father.
Prosecutors have charged Heather d'Aoust as an adult. She faces 30 years to life in state prison if convicted.
A defense attorney said after Thursday's arraignment she has a history of mental illness and should be tried in juvenile court.
Father James d'Aoust says the girl, who was adopted as a child, needs psychological help.
Fifty-six-year-old Rebecca d'Aoust died Monday, a day after she was struck in the head at the family's home in the upscale Scripps Ranch area. She worked as a counselor at a San Diego elementary school.
Heather d'Aoust was ordered held without bail.
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