Woman sentenced to life in daughter’s crucifix death

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An Oklahoma woman has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing her adult daughter by forcing a crucifix and medallion down her throat because she believed the woman was possessed by the devil.

Court records show 51-year-old Juanita Gomez was sentenced Monday for the 2016 death of Geneva Gomez. The judge followed the sentence recommended by jurors who convicted her in January of first-degree murder.

Attorneys for Juanita Gomez plan to appeal.

Police found 33-year-old Geneva Gomez lying inside her mother’s Oklahoma City home with her arms spread out as if she had been crucified. A large crucifix had been placed on her chest.

Court documents show that Juanita Gomez told police she forced a crucifix down her daughter’s throat and watched her die.