A California woman has been convicted of second-degree murder and felony child neglect in connection with the drowning death of her 2-year-old daughter. Prosecutors said evidence presented at trial showed the woman was intoxicated when the child died.
On Friday, Jan. 9, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office announced in a press release that Kelle Anne Brassart, 45, of Turlock, was found guilty in the death of her daughter, Daniellé Pires.
“An allegation that Brassart was on probation for child abuse at the time of the death was also found true. Brassart is facing 15-years to life in prison,” the release stated.
Authorities were called on Sept. 12 after Brassart reported that her daughter “was floating in the pool.”
“After the 911 call, Brassart remained in the home and never attempted to rescue Daniellé,” District Attorney Jeff Laugero said.
Brassart told investigators she could not reach her daughter because of “a leg injury and needed the use of a wheelchair.” Prosecutors disputed that account, pointing to evidence they said showed she could drive, attend nail appointments, and move without relying on a wheelchair.
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“Brassart possessed a walking boot and crutches in the home,” the statement continued. “Video evidence was introduced at trial showing her walking and standing without the use of a wheelchair prior to the drowning.”
Investigators also found evidence of drinking at the home. “Empty and full liquor bottles were found hidden throughout” the property, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office said, per SFGATE.
Prosecutors also alleged Brassart spent time on dating apps while her daughter was alone, according to the outlet.
After the emergency call, officers responded to the home. “The Turlock Police Department immediately responded to the home and pulled Daniellé’s lifeless body from the pool,” the district attorney’s release said. Despite life-saving measures, the child was pronounced dead.
She reportedly died a week before her third birthday, according to the theTurlock Journal.
The district attorney’s office said Brassart appeared to show “signs of impairment” when police arrived. “Evidence at trial demonstrated that Brassart’s BAC [base alcohol level] level was .246% at the time of the drowning.” According to the Cleveland Clinic, at this level, a person may experience “confusion, vomiting and drowsiness.”
In testimony on Dec. 22, Brassart—who has five surviving children—told the court she asked her daughter to let the dogs out that day, Turlock Journal reported. The child went into the backyard and was unsupervised for nearly 30 minutes, according to the outlet. The girl then struggled after entering the pool and eventually stopped moving before an officer pulled her out, the outlet reported.
Prosecutors said Brassart was already on probation for child abuse at the time of the drowning. That probation stemmed from a separate incident in which a child in her care was hospitalized for nearly a week after taking medication, SFGATE reported.
“This is a case where the defendant knew, and she didn’t care,” Deputy District Attorney Sara Sousa said in closing arguments, per Turlock Journal. “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.”
Brassart is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 5, according to SFGATE.
