A mother from California has been found guilty of murder following the tragic drowning of her two-year-old daughter, an incident that occurred while she was heavily intoxicated and communicating with men on dating applications.
Verdict and Charges
Kelle Anne Brassart, 45, was convicted last week of second-degree murder and felony child endangerment in connection with the death of her daughter, Daniellé Pires. The Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office confirmed the verdict, stating Brassart now faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison. The tragic event took place at the family's home in Turlock.
The Fatal Day and Investigation
On September 12, emergency services were summoned to the residence after Brassart called 911 to report her daughter was floating in the backyard pool. Upon arrival, officers retrieved the child's lifeless body from the water and attempted resuscitation, but Daniellé was pronounced dead at the scene.
Law enforcement officials quickly noted that Brassart showed clear signs of impairment. Prosecutors revealed that an investigation determined Brassart remained inside the home after calling for help and made no attempt to rescue her daughter from the pool.
Home surveillance footage played a crucial role in the case. It showed the toddler had been left alone in the backyard for a significant period before entering the pool and drowning. During this time, approximately 45 minutes, Brassart was in her bedroom using her phone to message men she had met on dating apps.
Contradictory Claims and Damning Evidence
During the investigation, Brassart claimed a leg injury confined her to a wheelchair, preventing her from reaching her daughter. This assertion was directly contradicted by video evidence presented at trial, which showed her walking and standing without a wheelchair prior to the incident.
Further evidence underscored her mobility. Prosecutors noted she had crutches and a walking boot in the house and presented footage of her driving and attending nail appointments in the days before the drowning.
The extent of her intoxication was severe. Officers discovered empty liquor bottles throughout the home, and a blood alcohol test revealed her level was 0.246 percent at the time—more than three times California's legal limit for driving.
The child's father, Daniel Pires, who was at work during the tragedy, had reportedly asked Brassart not to drink alcohol while caring for their daughter. Court records also indicated Brassart had previously been ordered to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
A Reckless Disregard for Life
Deputy District Attorney Sara Sousa argued powerfully during the trial that Brassart's actions demonstrated a conscious disregard for her daughter's safety. "This is a case where the defendant knew, and she didn't care," Sousa stated. "She didn't care that her daughter was at risk; she didn't care that she wasn't watching her, because all she wanted to do was be selfish and get drunk."
Jurors also heard evidence that Brassart had been advised in prior parenting classes about the dangers of leaving toddlers unsupervised. Following the verdict, Sousa concluded, "She not only failed in her duty to care for her child, but she did it in a way that was so reckless and indifferent to human life that her conduct amounted to second-degree murder."
Kelle Anne Brassart is scheduled to be sentenced on February 5.
