At a Glance
- Kelle Anne Brassart, 45, convicted of second-degree murder and felony child neglect
- Daughter Daniellé Pires, 2, drowned in backyard pool while Brassart was intoxicated
- Brassart faces 15 years to life in prison; sentencing set for February 5
- Why it matters: Case underscores fatal consequences of caregiver impairment and repeat child-abuse offenses
A California mother has been found guilty of second-degree murder after her toddler drowned in a backyard pool while she was heavily intoxicated and distracted on dating apps.
The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office announced the conviction of Kelle Anne Brassart, 45, of Turlock, on Friday, January 9, following a trial that revealed multiple layers of neglect.
The 911 Call That Changed Everything
On September 12, Brassart phoned 911 to report that her daughter “was floating in the pool.”
Authorities say she never attempted to rescue the child.
“After the 911 call, Brassart remained in the home and never attempted to rescue Daniellé,” District Attorney Jeff Laugero said.
When officers arrived, they pulled the little girl’s lifeless body from the water. Life-saving efforts failed, and she was pronounced dead one week before her third birthday.
Evidence of Impairment and Neglect
Prosecutors presented multiple forms of evidence showing Brassart was unfit to supervise the toddler:
- Blood-alcohol level of .246%-more than three times the legal driving limit
- Empty and full liquor bottles hidden throughout the property
- Video showing Brassart walking without a wheelchair despite later claiming a leg injury
- Phone records revealing she spent 45 minutes on dating apps while the child was alone
“Brassart possessed a walking boot and crutches in the home,” the DA’s statement noted. “Video evidence was introduced at trial showing her walking and standing without the use of a wheelchair prior to the drowning.”
Prior Child-Abuse Probation
At the time of the drowning, Brassart was already on probation for an earlier child-abuse case. In that incident, a child in her care had been hospitalized for nearly a week after ingesting medication.
An allegation that she was still on probation when Daniellé died was found true during the trial.
Mother’s Account Versus Prosecutors’ Theory
Testifying on December 22, Brassart said she had asked Daniellé to let the dogs out. The child ventured into the backyard alone and remained unsupervised for roughly 30 minutes.
Deputy District Attorney Sara Sousa rejected any suggestion of accident.
“This is a case where the defendant knew, and she didn’t care,” Sousa told jurors. “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.”
Next Steps
Brassart, who has five surviving children, is scheduled to be sentenced on February 5. She faces 15 years to life in state prison.
Key Takeaways
- Conviction includes both second-degree murder and felony child neglect
- High blood-alcohol level and dating-app activity proved pivotal to the prosecution
- Repeat history of child abuse influenced jury’s verdict
- Sentencing next month will determine exact prison term
