Jury finds Modesto mother sane in killing of 4-year-old daughter, attack on son
A Stanislaus County jury on Wednesday found that Mina Nazari was legally sane when she killed her young daughter and attacked her son in a 2023 case that has centered on mental illness and criminal responsibility.
The verdict concludes the second phase of Nazari’s trial, in which jurors were tasked with deciding whether she was sane or insane at the time of the crimes. The same jury had previously found her guilty on all counts.
Jurors determined Nazari, 36, was sane on all five counts, including murder, attempted murder and child abuse causing death.
Nazari showed little visible reaction as the verdict was read in court. Dressed in a dark maroon top and black pants, she sat with her hands in front of her, her expression largely unchanged as jurors confirmed she was sane on all counts.
The only break in her composure came moments later, when she briefly smiled and thanked the two court-appointed interpreters who assisted her during the proceedings.
About 15 people sat in the courtroom gallery as the verdict was delivered, quietly observing the conclusion of a case that had unfolded over several weeks.
What the sanity verdict means
Under California law, a defendant found not guilty by reason of insanity is committed to a state hospital for treatment and can potentially be released if restored to sanity.
But a finding of sanity means the defendant is held criminally responsible and faces prison time.
Nazari now faces multiple life sentences.
Deputy District Attorney Fawn Smolak said the verdict ensures accountability. “The jury holding the defendant accountable for her actions was important,” she said.
Smolak said Nazari now faces life in prison, including two life sentences — 25 years to life for murder and a consecutive term of seven years to life for attempted murder — and additional time on other charges.
Defense says prosecution gave no evidence of sanity
Defense attorney Franz Criego sharply criticized the verdict, arguing jurors did not properly follow the law. “I believe the jurors did not follow the jury instructions and instead relied on sympathy related to the children or otherwise,” he said.
Criego said the defense met its burden during the sanity phase.
“There was absolutely no evidence by the people as to my client’s state of mind at the time of the events,” he said. “The only evidence that was presented was what was presented by the defense.”
Criego said he plans to file a motion for a new trial and a motion to set aside the verdict.
The sanity phase focused heavily on Nazari’s mental state, including testimony about schizophrenia and so-called command hallucinations.
Smolak said the jury relied in part on Nazari’s own words. “This case was primarily defendant statements,” she said, referring to interviews with law enforcement and a defense expert. “I do think that was an important factor for them to render a verdict.”
Prosecutors argued those statements — and Nazari’s actions before and after the killing — showed she knew that what she was doing wrong.
Impact on the surviving family
Smolak described the case as devastating for the family.
“It’s a tragic case all around,” she said. “A 4-year-old was murdered, her brother was nearly murdered.”
She said the victims’ father lost both his wife and daughter, while the surviving son lost his mother and sister.
Despite that, Smolak said the boy is doing well.
“He’s thriving in school. He is playing sports,” she said. “He’s a very resilient person.”
The case stems from an October 2023 incident in which Nazari fatally stabbed her daughter and attempted to kill her son inside the family’s home.
Evidence presented during trial showed Nazari had a history of mental health struggles, including prior hospitalizations and treatment for schizophrenia. Testimony also indicated she had stopped taking prescribed medication in the months leading up to the killings.
Nazari is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on April 22, and faces the possibility of multiple life terms in state prison.
