Family says suspect in murder-for-hire plot disabled

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) - The parents of a Rockford woman accused of trying to hire a hit man say their daughter is developmentally disabled and doesn't grasp the consequences of her actions.

Thirty-three-year-old Anne Barradas-Ferral was arrested last week on a charge of solicitation of murder for hire. She's being held on $1 million bond.

Her parents, Katy and Steve Swenson, told the Rockford Register Star (http://bit.ly/1FwmFJN ) that her mental development is equivalent to that of an 8 year old. They say she would be better served with continuing mental health care, not imprisonment.

Katy Swenson says the intended victim is a woman whom her daughter perceived as a romantic rival.

The Swenson's attorney, Rene Hernandez, says a detective posing as a hit man responded to a message the woman posted online.

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Information from: Rockford Register Star, http://www.rrstar.com