Hillsborough County, FL – A 24-year-old mother has been arrested after allegedly attempting to drown her three young children in a Valrico community pool early Wednesday morning, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said they responded at 1:28 a.m. on September 24 to Sacramento Street, where family members had rushed to stop the alleged drowning attempt. The children—ages 8 months, 2 years, and 3 years—were removed safely from the water and showed no significant injuries, officials confirmed.
According to investigators, the suspect, Shaniece Willingham, had argued with her mother earlier that night and left home with the children in a toy wagon. Shortly after, she allegedly began a livestream on Instagram stating her intent to harm herself and her children. Alarmed relatives located her at the pool and intervened as she allegedly threw the children into the water and jumped in herself.
Family members pulled both the children and Willingham out before calling deputies. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue evaluated the children, who were not hospitalized. Willingham was taken into custody at the scene.
“This incident is nothing short of horrific,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a statement. “The fear and betrayal these innocent children must have felt, at the hands of the one person meant to care for and protect them, is unimaginable. This was not a cry for help—it was a deliberate act of cruelty. Mental health may provide an explanation, but there is no excuse.”
Willingham is charged with three counts of premeditated attempted murder. Officials said the swift response from family members saved the children’s lives.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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