SANTA MARIA - Charity Ochoa is accused of attempted murder of a fetus involving an alleged attack against a pregnant woman last month.
The 27 year old Ochoa pleaded not guilty to the charge Tuesday morning in Santa Maria Court.
Police say Ochoa attacked the unidentified pregnant woman last month in the East Newlove area of Santa Maria after the woman testified against Ochoa's husband who was on trial and later found guilty of second degree murder.
Police say Ochoa turned herself in after the alleged attack.
Following her not guilt plea to the attempted murder charge against her, the Ochoa family spoke about the case outside court with Central Coast News.
"We're praying for everybody in the situation", said Ochoa's sister Gloria, "the truth is going to come out and you know what, my sister is not the monster like everybody is saying she is, that's all I have to say."
Charity Ochoa will return to Santa Maria Court next week when a date will be set for her preliminary hearing.
She remains in Santa Barbara County Jail with her bail set at $1.5 million.
Police have not released the alleged victim's name in the case, how badly she was inured during the alleged attack or how far along she was with her pregnancy at the time.
