OKC Woman Arrested In Daughter's Death To Appear In Court

An Oklahoma City mother, accused of shoving a crucifix down her daughter's throat and killing her, appeared in an Oklahoma County courtroom on Thursday.

This was the first court appearances for Juanita Gomez, 49, since her video arraignment last month. During that video arraignment she had a lot to say, but that was not the case Thursday.

Gomez remained silent and refused to look at our camera as she was led inside the courtroom for her court appearance, flanked by two deputies. She stands accused of First-Degree Murder in the gruesome killing of her daughter, 33-year-old Geneva Gomez.

Court records state police found the body inside Juanita's home near NW 15th St. and McKinley Dr., and that she had severe trauma around her head and face. The affidavit states Juanita told investigators her daughter was possessed by the devil and that she admitted forcing a crucifix and a religious medallion down her throat.

It was exactly a month ago that she was arraigned by video and went on a rant about jail conditions. But during court on Thursday, she was much more reserved as the judge asked her if she had hired an attorney to represent her.

Juanita told the judge her brother was supposed to have contacted Oklahoma City Defense Attorney David Slane, but no entry of appearance has been made. So for now the judge has assigned her a public defender. Another hearing has been set for November 3.

Gomez remains in the Oklahoma County Jail. She is being held without bond. Meanwhile, her daughter's fiancé tells News 9 he still has nightmares about finding her body.

"And I can just see my girl laying [sic] there with her arms out and a crucifix right here," said Frankie Merlos, pointing to his chest. "You can't even recognize her face at all. I'm like, ‘That's not my girl,’ you know?"

Merlos says he dated Geneva Gomez for five years. He still can't get the brutal image of his fiancée's beaten body out of mind. He also can't forget how her mother tried to keep him inside the home.

"She just kept mumbling about money and the devil. That's all she kept really saying," said Merlos.

Merlos says as he tried to leave, Juanita blocked him and then tried to grab and choke him.

"She had her arms around my neck, literally choking me and I pushed her out of the way," said Merlos.

He says that's when he ran out of the house, got in a car, and called 911 for help.

Merlos was not at Thursday's court appearance. He says it's just too hard to face her right now.

"I'm still in fear for my life," said Merlos. "I can't sleep. I can't eat. I already lost 20 pounds since this happened."

But Merlos says despite his grief, he will always remember Geneva as the smiling happy fun loving girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with - before tragedy cut her life - and their dream - short.

"If you needed help she would help you no matter what," Merlos said. "I still can't believe she's gone."