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Death penalty sought for parents of AZ girl

Posted at 10:36 PM, Sep 21, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-22 01:36:07-04

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for a Surprise couple accused of killing their 3-year-old daughter four months ago.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office said Monday that the intent paperwork has been filed in the cases against 36-year-old Rosemary Velazco and 28-year-old Carlos Tercerro Cruz.

Both pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and felony child abuse in June. Their trial date hasn't been set.

Prosecutors say Alexandra Velazco-Tercerro weighed only 15 pounds when she was found dead May 23.

Surprise police say the girl showed signs of extreme malnourishment and had numerous injuries.

Authorities say the girl was placed in foster care at birth because she tested positive for methamphetamines.

She was returned to her parents about 10 months later after they completed substance abuse and parenting classes.