NY mom faces murder charge in disabled girl death

MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP) — A New York woman has pleaded not guilty to an upgraded charge of second-degree murder in the death last summer of her 8-year-old disabled daughter.

Veronica Cirella, of Plainview, was initially charged with manslaughter after authorities said she admitted feeding daughter Julie food she was allergic to.

The district attorney’s office wouldn’t discuss what new information warranted the upgraded charge. A judge today ordered Cirella held without bail.

Authorities say Cirella then tried to kill herself after leaving a note that said Julie “should die.” Julie had cerebral palsy.

Julie was found dead hours before she was set to be a flower girl in a cousin’s wedding.

Cirella’s attorney says she should be released on bail. He says the medical examiner hasn’t yet determined the cause of Julie’s death.