PITTSBURGH — Alexis Herrera, 25, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2020 death of 3-year-old Bella Seachrist, on Friday in Judge Beemer’s courtroom. Herrera was also convicted of aggravated assault, attempt to cause serious bodily injury, endangering the welfare of children, unlawful restraint and conspiracy.
Herrera pled guilty to a general charge of criminal homicide in May 2024. After a degree of guilt hearing, Judge Beemer rendered a verdict of first-degree murder.
According to the criminal complaint, Herrera lived with her sister, Laura Ramriez, Bella’s stepmother, and Ramriez’s husband, Jose Salazar-Ortiz Sr., Bella’s biological father. Bella was left in Herrera’s care when the two were not home. During an interview with detectives, Herrera admitted to physically abusing Bella, and that she had witnessed Ramriez abuse the girl.
Salazar-Ortiz Sr. was convicted of third-degree murder in 2023 and sentenced to 33-66 years in prison. Ramriez was convicted of first-degree murder the same year and sentenced to life in prison with an additional 37-74 years.
Deputy District Attorney Jennifer DiGiovanni prosecuted this case. Herrera is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5, 2025.
“We extend our condolences to Bella’s family,” said DA Zappala. “We hope this verdict can serve as the last part of a very painful journey, and they may honor Bella’s life.”
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