By Associated Press - Tuesday, August 6, 2019

SAN DIEGO (AP) - A Southern California man has pleaded not guilty to stabbing to death his 7-year-old daughter.

Pedro Araujo entered the plea to murder on Tuesday. He was ordered held without bail and could face up to 26 years in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors say the 27-year-old Oceanside man stabbed his daughter, Mariah Araujo, 10 times in their home on July 31 while her little sister was in the next room.



Araujo had custody of the girls. Authorities say Araujo’s mother called police when she went to the home and noticed blood on his clothing.

Police haven’t released a motive for the killing.

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