BRANDON RICHARDSON - 9 Months (2009) - Ephrata WA

Brandi A. Smith, 19, is charged with manslaughter in the first degree in the March 2009 death of her 9-month old son.

The woman allegedly left her 2-year-old son and his 9-month-old brother in the tub, with the water running, while she left to log on to a Web-based chat program around 9 a.m., according to a Grant County sheriff’s report.

A neighbor allegedly heard Smith start filling the tub, and then several minutes later heard Smith screaming. When he went to investigate, he found Smith doing CPR on her younger son and water coming out of the boy’s mouth, according to a police report. The tub was reportedly an inch below full when he looked into the bathroom.

The man allegedly told police Smith and his brother spent too much time on the computer, warning them Child Protective Services would take their children away if they didn’t start cleaning the apartment.

Smith reportedly told police she turned on the computer and went to fold some laundry before her older son entered the room, alerting her something was wrong. Detectives allegedly found two messages on the chat program before the woman called 9-1-1.

Investigators accused Smith was using the computer for about 22 minutes.

The tub takes about 21 minutes to almost fill up, according a police report.

http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/news/local_business/article_fc6aaf6e-0a01-5cbc-a014-101ee95ff872.html?mode=story

March 18, 2009 in Region
Grant County Sheriff’s office investigating baby’s death
Mike Prager The Spokesman-Review
Tags: baby drowning Grant County Sheriff’s Office Mose

An autopsy today by the Grant County coroner showed that a 9-month-old boy who died on Tuesday succumbed to asphyxia from drowning.

Brandon Richardson reportedly stopped breathing while taking a bath in a case that is under investigation by the sheriff’s office.

Undersheriff John Turley said that the boy was pronounced dead after arriving at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake on Tuesday.

A county emergency medical crew and sheriff’s deputies responded Tuesday morning on a 911 call to the 1100 block of Mather Drive north of Moses Lake. The mother, Brandi A. Smith, 18, of Moses Lake, said that the boy was taking a bath when the problem occurred.

Deputies were continuing an investigation this afternoon. Turley did not give other details.

No update found.

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