Family of San Rafael Woman Accused of Stabbing Mother Calls for Mental Health Treatment Over Criminal Prosecution
The family of Olivia Beltran, a 50-year-old woman who was stabbed to death by her own daughter in 2024, is speaking out against the prosecution's decision to pursue criminal charges instead of mental health treatment. Tonantzyn Beltran, 30, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and is set to stand trial next week.
The family argues that their loved one was suffering from a mental health crisis at the time of the attack and should receive treatment rather than facing prosecution. "My sister is not a monster, and she's not disposable, she's also grieving," said Tonatiuh Beltran, Olivia's daughter. The family believes that Tonantzyn had a history of mental health issues, including a recent hospitalization in Sonoma County for being chased by police after she thought she was in a video game.
The family is urging District Attorney Lori Frugoli to listen to their recommendations and consider an alternative approach. "This DA time and time again claims to represent victims but in this case she's ignoring the voice and refused to engage and ignore our recommendations of the victims," said George Galvis, co-founder of Communities United For Resorative Justice.
The district attorney's office has stated that it will not comment on the case until the end of trial. Jury selection is set to begin on Monday. The family is now calling for the court to prioritize mental health treatment over criminal prosecution, saying "It's not a get out of jail free card, it means she'll get the treatment she needs."
The trial has sparked concerns about the intersection of mental health and the justice system, with many questioning whether the current approach is sufficient in addressing the complex issues surrounding serious crimes. The case is expected to raise important questions about how the justice system handles cases involving individuals with mental health conditions.
The family of Olivia Beltran, a 50-year-old woman who was stabbed to death by her own daughter in 2024, is speaking out against the prosecution's decision to pursue criminal charges instead of mental health treatment. Tonantzyn Beltran, 30, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and is set to stand trial next week.
The family argues that their loved one was suffering from a mental health crisis at the time of the attack and should receive treatment rather than facing prosecution. "My sister is not a monster, and she's not disposable, she's also grieving," said Tonatiuh Beltran, Olivia's daughter. The family believes that Tonantzyn had a history of mental health issues, including a recent hospitalization in Sonoma County for being chased by police after she thought she was in a video game.
The family is urging District Attorney Lori Frugoli to listen to their recommendations and consider an alternative approach. "This DA time and time again claims to represent victims but in this case she's ignoring the voice and refused to engage and ignore our recommendations of the victims," said George Galvis, co-founder of Communities United For Resorative Justice.
The district attorney's office has stated that it will not comment on the case until the end of trial. Jury selection is set to begin on Monday. The family is now calling for the court to prioritize mental health treatment over criminal prosecution, saying "It's not a get out of jail free card, it means she'll get the treatment she needs."
The trial has sparked concerns about the intersection of mental health and the justice system, with many questioning whether the current approach is sufficient in addressing the complex issues surrounding serious crimes. The case is expected to raise important questions about how the justice system handles cases involving individuals with mental health conditions.