A California mother has been found guilty of murder after her two-year-old daughter drowned in the family swimming pool while she was heavily intoxicated and chatting with men on dating applications.
Verdict and Charges
Kelle Anne Brassart, 45, was convicted on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, of second-degree murder and felony child endangerment. The charges stemmed from the tragic death of her daughter, Daniellé Pires, at their home in Turlock, California. The Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office confirmed the conviction in a public statement.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of September 12, 2025. Brassart placed a frantic call to emergency services around 3:30 p.m., reporting that her young daughter was floating, unresponsive, in the backyard pool. First responders arrived swiftly, pulled the toddler from the water, and attempted life-saving measures, but they were unable to revive her.
Shocking Neglect and False Claims
An investigation was immediately launched, with surveillance footage revealing a devastating truth. The video showed that the child had been left alone outside for a prolonged period before she fell into the pool. Prosecutors stated that after making the 911 call, Brassart "remained in the home and never attempted to rescue Daniellé."
Further evidence presented at trial detailed a shocking level of neglect. Prosecutors revealed that Brassart had spent approximately 45 minutes on her phone, conversing with men she met on dating apps, while her daughter was unattended.
In her defence, Brassart told investigators she could not reach her daughter due to a leg injury, claiming she required a wheelchair. However, this claim was thoroughly dismantled in court. District Attorney Jeff Laugero stated, "Video evidence was introduced at trial showing her walking and standing without the use of a wheelchair prior to the drowning." Footage showed her driving and attending nail appointments. While she owned a walking boot and crutches, she did not need them to walk.
Intoxication and Prior History
The depth of Brassart's impairment that day was severe. Officers at the scene observed clear signs of intoxication, and empty liquor bottles were found inside the house. A blood alcohol test later showed her level was a staggering 0.246%—more than three times California's legal limit for driving.
The child's father, Daniel Pires, who was at work during the tragedy, had reportedly asked Brassart not to drink alcohol while caring for their daughter. Court records also indicated she had been previously ordered to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Prosecutors delivered a damning assessment of her character and actions. "This is a case where the defendant knew, and she didn't care," said Deputy District Attorney Sara Sousa. "She didn't care that her daughter was at risk... because all she wanted to do was be selfish and get drunk."
The case revealed an even more troubling pattern. It was disclosed that Brassart was already on probation for child abuse at the time of the drowning. In a prior incident, another child under her care had been hospitalized for nearly a week after ingesting medication.
Following the conviction, Sousa emphasized the gravity of the failure, stating Brassart's conduct was "so reckless and indifferent to human life that it amounted to second-degree murder."
Kelle Anne Brassart is scheduled for sentencing on February 5 and faces a potential prison term of 15 years to life.
