Kelle Anne Brassart, 45, of Turlock, California, was convicted of second‑degree murder and felony child neglect after her 2‑year‑old daughter, Daniellé Pires, drowned on Sept. 12 while Brassart was intoxicated. Trial evidence showed Brassart had a blood alcohol concentration of .246%, hid liquor bottles in the home and spent about 45 minutes on dating apps while the child was unsupervised. Video and other evidence contradicted Brassart’s claim that a leg injury prevented her from reaching the child. She faces 15 years to life and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 5.
Turlock Mother Convicted Of Second‑Degree Murder After 2‑Year‑Old Drowns While She Was Intoxicated
Turlock Police DepartmentKelle Anne Brassart
A California woman has been convicted of second‑degree murder and felony child neglect after her 2‑year‑old daughter drowned while the mother was intoxicated, prosecutors announced.
On Jan. 9, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office said in a press release that 45‑year‑old Kelle Anne Brassart of Turlock was found guilty in the death of her daughter, Daniellé Pires. The court also found true an allegation that Brassart was on probation for a prior child‑abuse case at the time of the drowning.
Prosecutors say Brassart called 911 on Sept. 12 to report that her daughter was "floating in the pool." According to the DA's office, Brassart remained inside the house after placing the call and did not attempt a rescue. Turlock police officers recovered the child from the pool; despite life‑saving measures, Daniellé was pronounced dead at the scene. Reports say she died about a week before her third birthday.
Evidence introduced at trial contradicted Brassart’s account that a leg injury and wheelchair use prevented her from reaching the child. Video and other records showed she was able to walk, drive and attend appointments; a walking boot and crutches were found in the home. Investigators also found empty and full liquor bottles hidden around the residence.
Turlock Police DepartmentKelle Anne Brassart
At the time of the incident, Brassart’s blood alcohol concentration was shown at trial to be .246%. According to medical sources, that level of intoxication can cause marked confusion, vomiting and heavy drowsiness. Prosecutors additionally presented evidence that Brassart spent roughly 45 minutes messaging men on dating apps while her daughter was unsupervised in the backyard prior to the drowning.
"This is a case where the defendant knew, and she didn’t care," Deputy District Attorney Sara Sousa said in closing arguments. "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 selfish and get drunk."
Brassart, who has five surviving children, testified at a Dec. 22 court hearing that she had asked Daniellé to let the family dogs outside and that the child was unsupervised for nearly 30 minutes before entering the pool. Prosecutors showed evidence that the child struggled in the water before losing consciousness and being pulled from the pool by an officer.
Brassart faces 15 years to life in prison. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 5. The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office and Turlock police handled the investigation and prosecution.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1‑800‑4‑A‑CHILD (1‑800‑422‑4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. Calls are toll‑free, confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
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