The Lancaster County District Attorney's Office says 25-year-old Diontae Nicole Beckett waived a preliminary hearing after her five-month-old daughter drowned in a hotel spa tub. Prosecutors allege Beckett was intoxicated and "recklessly" placed the infant in the tub; a breath test reportedly showed a 0.149% BAC. Surveillance footage and media found on Beckett's phone allegedly show the infant in the spa tub and later being carried unresponsive into the hotel lobby. Beckett posted $100,000 bail and is due back in court on Sept. 25.
25-Year-Old Mother Charged After Infant Drowns in Hotel Spa Tub; Prosecutors Allege Intoxication
stock image of a hotel spa tubCredit: Getty
A Philadelphia woman, 25-year-old Diontae Nicole Beckett, has been charged after prosecutors say her five-month-old daughter drowned in a hotel's spa tub. The Lancaster County District Attorney's Office announced that Beckett waived a preliminary hearing on Aug. 26 and faces charges of endangering the welfare of children and involuntary manslaughter.
Prosecutors allege Beckett "recklessly caused her daughter's death when she drunkenly placed her in a spa tub in a hotel," according to a DA press release. Police say Beckett told investigators she had been drinking throughout the day and had taken the infant swimming earlier before returning to their room.
Investigators report they found a photograph and a video on Beckett's phone showing the infant in a spa tub, although Beckett reportedly told police she did not recall placing the child in the tub and denied intentionally doing so. Hotel surveillance footage allegedly captures Beckett entering the lobby carrying the infant, who appeared unresponsive; several guests called 911 and attempted life-saving measures until emergency personnel arrived.
A chemical breath test administered by investigators reportedly measured Beckett's blood alcohol concentration at 0.149 percent. She was released after posting $100,000 bail, and online court records indicate she is scheduled to appear in Lancaster County court on Sept. 25.
Official Allegations and Evidence
Prosecutors: "Beckett recklessly caused her daughter's death when she drunkenly placed her in a spa tub in a hotel."
What Happens Next
Beckett waived the preliminary hearing on Aug. 26. The case will proceed through the Lancaster County court system, where prosecutors will present evidence and the defense may respond through filings and motions ahead of future hearings. Court documents and any additional investigative findings will clarify the timeline and circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Authorities have not released additional statements from the family. The investigation is ongoing.
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