Parents enter plea in python attack on their 3-year-old son

The couple charged with child abuse after their 3-year-old son was bitten by an 18-foot python entered an Alford plea to misdemeanor child abuse charges today in Las Vegas Justice Court.

Melissa Melendrez, 25, and Anthony Melendrez, 26, were charged with one count each of felony child abuse resulting in substantial bodily harm and felony child neglect after a tiger reticulated python got out of its cage on Jan. 20 and bit and wrapped itself around the boy.

Melissa Melendrez stabbed the snake several times during the attack. The snake was later euthanized.

An Alford plea means the couple doesn't admit wrongdoing but recognized that prosecutors could have proven the charges against them if they had gone to court.

"The parents weren't negligent. The child isn't forever scarred," said Kristina Wildeveld, Melissa Melendrez' lawyer.

Authorities said the snake's cage had "insufficient" latches with no locks on it.

Contact reporter David Kihara at dkihara@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.