Slaying suspects plead not guilty: Not-guilty plea entered in abuse charges

A Rowland Heights woman and her husband pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges stemming from the death of their adopted daughter last Nov. 2.

Dianne Lin is charged with murder and the special circumstance allegation she tortured the child. She could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.

Lin's husband, Perry Lin, is charged with being an accessory after the fact. He faces up to three years in prison if convicted.

The Lins are both 37. They were arraigned in Pomona Superior Court and will return for a Sept. 24 pretrial hearing.

After the Lin baby died at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, hospital staff members contacted sheriff's homicide detectives. The 22-month-old had significant signs of abuse, Deputy District Attorney Craig J. Mitchell said.

Lin allegedly told deputies she dropped the child or she fell. She and her husband were later arrested and charged.

Dianne Lin is in custody without bail. She has since given birth to a baby girl. Her husband is free on $20,000 bond.