WESTON, W.Va. — The preliminary hearing for a Lewis County woman accused in the stabbing death of her three-month daughter will take place at a later date following a continuance Tuesday.
Krista Brunecz, 31, of Weston, allegedly stabbed the child multiple times in the chest before stabbing herself. Police said the death occurred on Dec. 30. in an apartment at Weston Arbors. She has been charged with charged with the death of a child by a parent by child abuse.
Brunecz’s boyfriend, who asked not to be identified, previously told MetroNews she had suffered from postpartum psychosis and had not been able to get help for the condition leading up to the incident.
Brunecz’s attorneys sought the continuance Tuesday, requesting additional time to prepare a defense to the charges.
Brunecz’s mother, Lorrie Cleavenger, spoke to MetroNews outside of Lewis County Magistrate Court in Weston Tuesday afternoon. Cleavenger said her daughter has been struggling with mental health issues for most of her life.
“I just want people to pray for my daughter and pray the laws about mental health are changed,” Cleavenger said.
The boyfriend and father of the baby had been in a relationship with Brunecz for about a year. He said in the days leading up to the incident she had been prescribed medication for depression and anxiety. She had also taken the baby to the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital Emergency Room for treatment.
Cleavenger talked about the years of struggle with her daughter’s health. She said she believes there are not adequate mental health resources in the state.
“She’s been asking for help for many. many years and I would like for the laws to change and for people to pray for my daughter,” Cleavenger said.
A date for a new preliminary hearing hasn’t yet been set.
Brunecz remains in North Central Regional Jail without bail.