Mother Charged with Killing 15-Month-Old Daughter with Frying Pan

Carmen Anita Degregg pleads not guilty to murder and felony assault charges in Los Angeles court

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 24-year-old Santa Monica woman, Carmen Anita Degregg, has been charged with murdering her 15-month-old daughter by allegedly striking her with a frying pan inside their apartment. Degregg pleaded not guilty to the charges in a Los Angeles courtroom on Thursday.

Why it matters

The case has shocked the local community, as the alleged crime occurred in an upscale Santa Monica apartment complex where rents can reach up to $6,000 per month. It has raised questions about mental health resources and support for young mothers, as well as the broader issue of child abuse and domestic violence.

The details

Degregg was arrested after approaching police at UCLA and confessing that she had harmed her child, who was later found gravely wounded in their apartment. The toddler was pronounced dead after being rushed to a local hospital. Degregg, a former high school wrestling star, is now facing 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the murder and felony assault charges.

  • On January 6, Degregg allegedly killed her 15-month-old daughter inside their Santa Monica apartment.
  • On February 19, Degregg appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
  • Degregg's preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 23.

The players

Carmen Anita Degregg

A 24-year-old Santa Monica woman accused of murdering her 15-month-old daughter by striking her with a frying pan.

Ivonne De La Cruz

Degregg's public defender who entered a not guilty plea on her behalf.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles District Attorney who stated that his office has a duty to seek maximum accountability in cases where a parent is accused of causing a child's death.

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What they’re saying

“We enter a not guilty plea.”

— Ivonne De La Cruz, Degregg's public defender

“When a parent is accused of causing a child's death, our office has a duty to act decisively and to seek the maximum accountability permitted by law.”

— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles District Attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 23 whether to move forward with a trial for Carmen Anita Degregg.

The takeaway

This tragic case has shaken the Santa Monica community and raised urgent questions about mental health support for young mothers, as well as the broader societal issue of child abuse and domestic violence. It underscores the need for greater resources and intervention to prevent such devastating outcomes.