Parents of 3-year-old attacked by 18-foot python plead

By Mary Manning

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 | 6:22 p.m.

Metro Police

Melissa Melendrez

Metro Police

Anthony Melendrez

The mother and father of a 3-year-old boy who was attacked by an 18-foot python snake took a plea on Tuesday.

Originally charged with child abuse and neglect, Melissa and Anthony Melendrez went to court and made an Alford plea, meaning they did not admit guilt.

They faced two felonies with sentences up to 20 years in prison for the charges filed by the District Attorney's Office after Metro Police investigated the case.

Their plea drops the charge to a misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.

The couple say they were taking care of the exotic snake when on Jan. 21 the reticulated python escaped a cage in a bedroom and wrapped itself around the boy.

It took six Metro Police officers, an animal control officer and the mother to pry the tot from the snake's grip. Melissa Melendrez attacked the python with a steak knife, gashing the snake so that it had to be euthanized at the Lied Animal Shelter.