Three-year-old Arely Naomi Proctor tragically lost her life under the guise of an exorcism carried out by her own family. Court documents reveal a disturbing narrative where Arely was subjected to over twenty hours of physical and emotional torment by her mother, Claudia Hernandez, her uncle, Rene “Aaron” Hernandez Santos, and her grandfather, Rene Trigueros Hernandez, in an attempt to rid her of a supposed demonic possession.
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According to KRON4, Deputy District Attorney Rebekah Wise explain that Proctor made desperate attempts to free herself as the adults forcefully restrained her, causing severe distress. The child pleaded for help and her declarations of love to her mother went unheard before her tragic death. The case is detailed in a 50-page memorandum by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, outlining the events leading up to Proctor’s death on September 24, 2021.
She was found deceased on a church altar with multiple injuries. The circumstances of her death have led to charges against Claudia, Aaron, and Rene. They stand accused of felony assault on a child, resulting in death, a charge they have all pleaded not guilty to. The outcome of their trial hinges on a forthcoming decision by Judge Hanley Chew, expected on May 10. Following Proctor’s death, the investigation uncovered chilling accounts of the family’s actions and beliefs. Claudia Hernandez, in her interaction with police, detailed a belief that her daughter was possessed based on the three-year-old’s changed behavior and appearance. Despite the dangerous and ultimately fatal actions taken, Claudia claimed to have visions from God predicting her daughter’s death, a tragic outcome she felt powerless to alter.
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Rene “Aaron” Hernandez Santos also shared his belief in divine gifts, leading him to participate in the fatal ceremony. His claims of spiritual powers, including healing and visions, underscore the deep-seated beliefs contributing to Arely’s suffering. Aaron’s admission to police suggests a conflicted understanding of his actions, as he acknowledged the possibility that his actions could have led to his niece’s death. Rene Trigueros Hernandez, the pastor of the church where the tragedy unfolded and father to Claudia and Aaron, provided a place for the fatal exorcism. His conversations with Claudia revealed a shared belief in Proctor’s supposed possession and her impending death, beliefs that have no basis in reality but have fatal consequences.
The case against the girl’s mother, uncle, and grandfather is built on a foundation of misplaced faith and extreme actions, leading to a young girl’s death. As the court prepares to make a decision, the community and those following the case await justice for Arely, whose life was cut tragically short under the most distressing circumstances.