Acquitted Woman to File Claim

Lawyers for a young Laguna Niguel woman acquitted on charges of murdering her 8-month-old son announced Tuesday they will file a claim against Orange County alleging police abuse and misconduct by the prosecution.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Robin Park, who prosecuted Molina, strongly rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing, saying her actions fell within the rules of the court and that police followed standard procedures.

A claim is the first step in the process of suing the county for damages. If the county rejects the claim, a civil lawsuit can be filed.

Armani Shyloh Contreras was found with a bullet wound to the head in October 1998 after Molina made a frantic call to police saying she accidentally shot her baby.

Authorities charged her with murder, but a jury Monday acquitted her of all charges.

Molina’s attorneys had alleged that investigators used intimidation to try to obtain a confession from her. While her baby was in surgery, they said, Molina was taken to a Sheriff’s Department facility where she was told to undress to see if there was a sign of a struggle, and was photographed naked.