LAS VEGAS (AP) " The parents of a 3-year-old boy who was attacked by a pet python have made an Alford plea to avoid trial on felony child neglect, abuse and endangerment charges.
The plea entered Tuesday means that 25-year-old Melissa Melendrez and 26-year-old Anthony Melendrez admit no wrongdoing but acknowledge that prosecutors could prove the charges at trial.
Authorities say the 18-foot snake coiled around the boy before Melissa Melendrez stabbed it more than a dozen times with a kitchen knife.
Authorities say it took six police officers, an animal control officer and the boy's mother to pry the snake away from the boy.