A harrowing case of alleged neglect has emerged from Maine, USA, where a mother is facing serious criminal charges following the tragic death of her three-year-old son and the injury of her infant child.
Police were called to a residence in Lewiston on Tuesday after reports of an unresponsive child. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless body of three-year-old Jayden Harding. The toddler was subsequently pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The investigation took a more disturbing turn when officers found the woman's one-year-old infant son in the same home. The baby was suffering from significant, non-accidental injuries and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment. His current condition has not been disclosed.
Authorities have confirmed that the mother, 35-year-old Christina Harding, has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The investigation revealed that her son, Jayden, had drowned in the Androscoggin River. It is believed the toddler had been unattended for a significant period before the tragedy occurred.
Harding was arrested and made her initial court appearance on Wednesday. She is currently being held without bail at the Androscoggin County Jail. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community and a full investigation is ongoing.
