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Grandmother Poisoned Granddaughter

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Sacramento police say a 77-year-old grandmother poisoned her granddaughter to help the developmentally disabled woman avoid embarrassment.

A family member found 18-year-old Alaina Luther unconscious at her grandmother´s house Thursday afternoon. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Sergeant Justin Risley says Luther´s grandmother — Gertrude Hicks — also tried to take her own life. He says Hicks will be arrested on suspicion of murder.

Hicks allegedly gave Luther a drink laced with medication while caring for the woman Thursday. Hicks then drank another concoction but survived and remained hospitalized under guard Friday.

Investigators say Hicks left a note explaining her actions, saying wanted to spare her granddaughter from humiliation she believed would come when the woman started school later this year. Luther reportedly had the mental capacity of a young child.

Police say Hicks confirmed what she had written in the note.

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