Davis Mother Sentenced In Drowning Death Of 5-Year-Old Daughter
DAVIS (CBS13) — A mother will likely spend the rest of her life behind bars in the drowning death of her 5-year-old girl.
Aquelin Talamantes, 29, was sentenced to 25 years to life, with the possibility of parole after her daughter was found dead in her trunk after a suspected drowning.
She was silent during the entire proceeding, except for a moment when the Tatiana Garcia's grandmother, Margaret Garcia spoke on her grief.
"I still weep for Tatianna when I'm alone," Garcia said.
Talamantes said, "I do, too!"
Talamantes had tried to enter an insanity plea, but was convicted in May of drowning her child in her Davis home, placing her body in the trunk of her car, and then driving to the Pocket area of Sacramento where she was arrested.
"Ms. Talamantes was sane and she she knew exactly what she was doing at the time of the trial," said Yolo County deputy district attorney Ryan Couzens.
Outside court on Monday, Margaret Garcia showed CBS13 some of Tatiana's favorite dresses and a photograph she holds dear to her heart.
Her impact statement in the courtroom was directed at her former daughter-in-law.
"She's a cold blooded killer. I want to ask her why did she do it," she said. "I will never forgive her."
The judge gave Talamantes a chance to speak to the family, but showed no emotion, she refused.
Couzens says Tatiana's voice was heard loudly at Monday's sentencing.
"A family member was able to speak on her behalf," he said. "She was finally able to have a voice she didn't have during the trial."
