Central California Mother Charged With Daughter's Torture, Death

MADERA, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities say they've charged a Central California woman with torturing and killing her young daughter, who died more than a year ago.

KFSN-TV in Fresno reported Tuesday that 42-year-old Amy Chavoya of Madera Ranchos is accused of beating, starving and using a stun gun on her daughter. The girl died in October 2014, but investigators didn't arrest Chavoya until last month.

Prosecutors say they've also charged Chavoya with abusing four other children in her home.

They say the abuse that killed her daughter began in 2011.

KFSN reports that the girl was about 12 years old when she died.

Chavoya has pleaded not guilty to the charges. She's due in court Friday.

Defense attorney Steven Geringer declined to comment on behalf of Chavoya when contacted by The Associated Press.