Brooklyn mother claims she was ‘baptizing’ daughter found unresponsive in bathtub
Authorities say the girl, Madelyne Tavarez, was later pronounced dead at a hospital, and her mother, 26-year-old Karla Espinal, was arrested over the weekend.
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A mother is facing charges after her 6-year-old daughter was found unresponsive in a bathtub on Friday.
Authorities say the girl, Madelyne Tavarez, was later pronounced dead at a hospital, and her mother, 26-year-old Karla Espinal, was arrested over the weekend.
According to court documents, police were called to a home on Elton Street around 1:30 p.m. Friday. When officers arrived, they found Madelyne unresponsive in a bathtub filled with water.
Investigators say Madelyne’s father saw the little girl and Espinal together just an hour earlier and that everything seemed normal. But another relative later told police they witnessed Espinal holding the child underwater.
Madelyne was rushed to Brookdale Hospital, but she did not survive. When officers questioned Espinal, police say she claimed she was baptizing her daughter.
Neighbors in the area say they are heartbroken.
“I mean, it’s sad. If someone needs help, this country gives…help for people that have mental problem,” said neighbor Govinsingh.
Espinal is currently facing charges of assault and reckless endangerment. Police say they are awaiting the medical examiner’s report, which could lead to even more serious charges.
