Turlock mom arrested after toddler drowns in yard swimming pool

BY SABRA STAFFORD AND JOE CORTEZ

Turlock Journal

MODESTO — A Turlock lady faces 15 years to life in jail if convicted of second-degree homicide and felony baby endangerment within the drowning loss of life of her 2-year-old daughter.

Kelle Brassart, 44, was arraigned on the costs Tuesday by Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Kellee C. Westbrook.

Brassart entered a plea of not responsible and bail was set at $2 million; she stays in custody on the Stanislaus County Public Safety Facility.

“I was requesting no bail based on the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident,” mentioned Stanislaus County Deputy District Attorney Sara Sousa, who’s assigned to the particular victims unit. “My biggest push was the fact that she was on probation. I stated, essentially, that she was a danger to the community.”

Officers responded to a 911 name at 3:28 p.m. on Sept. 12 within the 4500 block of Fireside Drive, the place they discovered the kid, recognized as Daniellé Pires, unresponsive within the water. Police instantly started CPR, joined by hearth and medical personnel, however the baby was later pronounced useless on the hospital.

“This is incredibly tragic,” mentioned Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden. “Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and first responders who were impacted by this devastating loss.”

According to video footage, the kid acquired into the pool at 3:08 p.m., and commenced trying to tread water, in accordance with Sousa. A canine started circling and barking on the baby. At one level, the kid — who would’ve turned 3 on Friday — was seen grabbing onto the aspect of the pool within the deep finish, trying to get out. At 3:18 p.m., the kid was on her again and not transferring. Fifteen minutes later, Turlock Police Officer Nick Gutierrez pulled her physique out of the pool and instantly started life-saving efforts.

Detectives decided that Brassart, who was in a wheelchair, had been accountable for the kid’s care on the time of the incident. Sousa additionally instructed the court docket that officers suspected Brassart was intoxicated, and observed a number of prescription bottles across the residence. 

California Highway Patrol Officer Matthew Haines, a drug recognition skilled, was known as to the scene to carry out an analysis.

At 6:41 p.m., three hours after the incident, Brassart registered a blood-alcohol degree of .17, Sousa mentioned. Three minutes later, she recorded a .16 — .08 is taken into account impaired.

Because Brassart was in a wheelchair, a modified sobriety take a look at was administered at 7:18 p.m. In addition to alcohol, Haines decided she was on a central nervous stimulant, Sousa mentioned.

Brassart instructed Detective Gina Giovacchini that she made eggs and noodles earlier within the day. Brassart was additionally noticed transferring from her wheelchair to the sofa and from her wheelchair to the bathroom, indicating she had a point of mobility. It was famous that there was a fence close to the pool that she may need been ready to make use of for help.

Brassart pleaded responsible to misdemeanor baby abuse in January 2023 (involving a distinct baby), and was ordered to take part in 52 weeks of parenting programs and given a four-year probation time period. She accomplished the programs in March of this 12 months.

In May 2023, when Daniellé was seven months previous, Brassart threw a drink tumbler on the baby’s father whereas he was holding her, Sousa mentioned. Brassart was required to take part in 20 Alcoholics Anonymous conferences.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with info is urged to contact Detective Giovacchini at 209-668-6539 or ggiovacchini@turlock.ca.us. Tips can be submitted to the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at 209-668-5550 ext. 6780 or tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.