By
The Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - A 3-year-old girl who was taken into state custody because she was severely overweight eventually will be returned home under an agreement announced yesterday by a judge.
Anamarie Martinez-Regino has been in custody of the Children, Youth and Families Department since Aug. 25, when she was 120 pounds and 3 1/2 feet tall.
A state social worker had said the girl would die unless she followed a special diet, exercised more and used a breathing machine when she slept.
The state also had accused the girl's parents, Adela Martinez and Miguel Regino, of feeding her solid food after a doctor recommended a liquid diet. Authorities have said little about what was causing the girl's condition.
Anamarie's parents have defended their care of their only child. Under the agreement reached last Thursday, they made no admissions to the state's allegations, state District Judge Tommy Jewell said in announcing the deal yesterday.
The case remains in a delicate stage and a gag order on all sides will remain in place, the judge said. He did not specify how long.
The New Mexico Supreme Court rejected an appeal by news organizations of the gag order. The news organizations, including The Associated Press, the Albuquerque Journal, The Albuquerque Tribune, KRQE-TV and KOAT-TV, have asked the Supreme Court to reconsider.
