Watch CBS News

Florida woman Nioshka Bello gets life in prison for strangling her 2-year-old daughter

Nioshka Bello, 22
Nioshka Bello Seminole County Sheriff Office

(CBS/AP) SANFORD, Fla. - A central Florida woman was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday for strangling her 2-year-old daughter with a bra.

A judge sentenced Nioshka Bello, 24, immediately after a jury found her guilty of first-degree murder in the death of young Janessa Sandoval.

Authorities say Bello strangled the toddler in September 2009 in a Casselberry home. Bello had argued with the child's father and believed that she would be left homeless the next day. Bello was taken into custody several days after the toddler's death.

CBS affiliate WKMG reports Bello spent months in a state mental hospital after being found incompetent to stand trial, but a judge reviewed medical reports last November and ruled that Bello was well enough to proceed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.