Kim Peno Went off Meds and Beat Her Child to Death, Say Police

REHOBOTH, Mass. (CBS/AP) Kim Peno, a 38-year-old mother charged with beating her 2-year-old son to death, apparently has a history of mental illness, and reportedly had been off her medication for two weeks before the alleged fatal beating on Friday, said CBS affiliate WBZ.

Peno pleaded not guilty to the charges on Monday, and asked a judge to allow her to attend her son's funeral. The judge turned down her request.

The station reported that Peno has four other kids in state custody in Rhode Island, and now the state of Massachusetts has taken her youngest son, Cory, into custody. WBZ also reports that Peno is currently pregnant with her seventh child.

Timothy Peno, the 2-year-old child, died Friday after being brought to Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence from injuries apparently sustained in a brutal beating. The Bristol County D.A.'s office said the child was badly beaten on the face, head and torso.

The child's father went to the Seekonk police department just after midnight Thursday to seek help for his child.

Peno's husband told WBZ, "My wife lost it."

Kim Peno's lawyer, Robert Sinsheimer claims his client has mental health issues.

Peno is being held without bail.

CBS affiliate WBZ contributed to this story.