Tonantzyn Beltran trial: Family calls for treatment for San Rafael woman accused of stabbing her mom to death
In the North Bay, the murder trial of a San Rafael woman, accused of stabbing her own mother in 2024 is set to begin next week. But the victim's family is demanding the Marin County DA's office pursue mental health treatment, rather than criminal prosecution for the victim's daughter.
"My mother made it clear from the start, she wanted my sister to get help," said Tonatiuh Beltran.
Beltran says her life has been upside down since her mother's murder in 2024. Olivia Beltran was stabbed to death by her own daughter, 30-year-old Tonantzyn Beltran, who police say broadcast the attack live on social media from her mother's apartment on Cresta Way in San Rafael. The family says Tonantzyn was experiencing a mental health crisis.
"My sister is not a monster, and she's not disposable, she's also grieving," Beltran said.
Tonatiuh and others, rallied outside the Marin County Courts building Thursday calling for mental health treatment, not criminal prosecution for the suspect who has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
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"The DA's office is moving forward with the criminal trail despite our wishes for my sister to be hospitalized," Beltran added.
"They seem to think my cousin was sane at the time," Sandra Beltran said.
The family says Tonantzyn Beltran has a history of mental health issues, including on the day before Olivia's murder.
"The day prior she was hospitalized in a high speed chase in Sonoma because she thought she was in a video game," said Tonatiuh Beltran.
"It's not a get out of jail free card, it means she'll get the treatment she needs," said George Galvis, co-founder of Communities United For Resorative Justice.
Activist and family friend George Galvis is calling on District Attorney Lori Frugoli to listen to the family.
"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," Galvis added.
In a brief statement to ABC7 News, the district attorney's office says at the risk of jeopardizing the case, it won't have any comment until the end of trial. Jury selection is set to begin on Monday.
