A California mother has been found guilty of murder after her two-year-old daughter drowned in their backyard pool while she was intoxicated and on dating apps.
Kelle Anne Brassart, 45, was convicted Tuesday of second-degree murder and felony child endangerment following the death of her daughter, Daniellé Pires, at their Turlock home on September 12.
Court records show that Brassart asked Daniellé to let the family dogs outside unsupervised before calling 911 about 45 minutes later at 3:27 p.m. When police arrived, Daniellé was found floating in the pool and was later pronounced dead at the hospital, just a week shy of her third birthday.
Brassart claimed she was unable to save her daughter because she was confined to a wheelchair following surgery on both ankles. However, investigators found evidence contradicting her claim. Surveillance and other records showed Brassart had been driving, attending appointments, and moving around the house without her wheelchair, even owning a walking boot and crutches.
The investigation also revealed hidden liquor bottles throughout the home, and Brassart’s blood alcohol content was measured at .246%. While Daniellé was unattended, Brassart spent 45 minutes on the phone talking to men from dating apps
At the time, Brassart was already on probation for child abuse after another child of hers had been hospitalized for ingesting medicine. Daniellé’s father, Daniel Pires, had reportedly warned Brassart not to drink while caring for the child, and she had been court-ordered to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
“This was not her first time,” Deputy District Attorney Sara Sousa told the jury. “She knows a child cannot be left unsupervised. She didn’t care that her daughter was at risk—her only concern was being selfish and getting drunk.”
Family friend Julie Jean said, “Daniellé got justice today. She did not deserve what happened to her.” Sousa added, “Her actions were so reckless and indifferent to human life that they amounted to second-degree murder.”
The Turlock Police Department called the case “one of the most difficult investigations our department has handled,” thanking the DA’s office for prosecuting and reaffirming their commitment to protecting children.
Brassart faces 15 years to life in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 5.
