Ferndale. Ca., woman, Kimberly Felder, was arrested Friday after she repeatedly struck and bit her 11-year-old daughter on a Humboldt County beach in an attempted exorcism.
Felder, 45, was taken into custody after Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received 911 calls reporting a mother attacking her child at Centerville beach near Ferndale. The caller said the mother was attempting to perform an exorcism. She had stripped the child naked and was shoving handfuls of sand in the youngster’s eyes and mouth, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release. The woman reportedly yelled that she was trying to remove demons from the child.
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The alleged assault was witnessed by a crowd of 10 to 12 people. One witness, attempting to stop Felder, struggled with her on the ground as she continued to attack the child, repeatedly striking the youngster in the head with a piece of driftwood.
A sheriff’s deputy arrived a short time later, pulled Felder away from the child and placed her in handcuffs. The child was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries, including severe damage to an ear, the news release said.
Felder was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on suspicion of attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, felony child abuse and aggravated mayhem.
The Sheriff’s Office commended Marciel for intervening, saying he likely prevented the youngster from being killed. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting that Marciel be recognized with the Red Cross Life Saving Award for his actions, the news release said.