A mother from California has been found guilty of murdering her two-year-old daughter, who drowned in the family's swimming pool while the woman was intoxicated and distracted by conversations with men on dating applications.
Verdict and Tragic Circumstances
Kelle Anne Brassart, 45, was convicted on Tuesday of second-degree murder and felony child endangerment in connection with the death of her daughter, Daniellé Pires. The tragic incident occurred on September 12 at the family's home in Turlock.
Prosecutors detailed that Brassart was heavily intoxicated and engaged in a 45-minute phone call with men from dating apps while her young daughter was left unattended. Daniellé, who was just a week away from her third birthday, fell into the pool and drowned.
Failed Defence and Damning Evidence
During the trial, Brassart claimed she was unable to act to save her daughter because she was confined to a wheelchair following surgery on both ankles. However, this defence was dismantled by evidence presented by the Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office.
An investigation revealed that Brassart's blood alcohol content was a staggering 0.246% at the time, and numerous empty and full liquor bottles were discovered hidden around her home. Crucially, video evidence and witness accounts showed she had been driving, attending nail appointments, and walking without a wheelchair in the period surrounding the incident.
"This was not her first time," prosecuting Deputy District Attorney Sara Sousa told the jury, referencing Brassart's prior probation for child abuse. "Six children… she knows a child cannot be left unsupervised."
A Pattern of Neglect and Justice Served
The court heard that the child's father, Daniel Pires, had explicitly asked Brassart not to drink alcohol while caring for their daughter. Furthermore, Brassart was under a court order to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings following a previous incident where another of her children was hospitalised after consuming medicine.
Daniellé was found floating in the pool when Turlock police arrived at approximately 3.30pm, responding to a call Brassart made 45 minutes after she last saw the child. Prosecutors argued she did nothing to rescue the girl.
"This is a case where the defendant knew, and she didn't care," Sousa argued. "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."
Following the verdict, a family friend, Julie Jean, said, "Daniellé got justice today. She did not deserve what happened to her." The Turlock Police Department described the case as one of the most difficult investigations they have handled.
Kelle Anne Brassart is now facing a sentence of 15 years to life in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for February 5.
