Crime & Safety
Loudoun County, VA: Mother Arrested After 8-Month-Old Drowns
Loudoun County, VA – A Northern Virginia mother has been arrested and charged with homicide following the drowning death of her 8 month old child, authorities announced Tuesday, October 27, following
By Lena Wood · 2026-10-28T10:08:21.165Z
Loudoun County, VA – A Northern Virginia mother has been arrested and charged with homicide following the drowning death of her 8 month old child, authorities announced Tuesday, October 27, following an investigation into the September tragedy.
According to the Loudoun County Sheriff 's Office, Rosellena Pisani, 30, of Sterling, was arrested Tuesday and charged with homicide, two counts of child abuse and three counts of child endangerment.
The investigation began September 10, 2026, when deputies responded to assist Loudoun County Fire and Rescue with a report of an unresponsive infant.
Investigators determined that the child allegedly had been left unattended in a bathtub with running water and without adult supervision.
The infant died following the incident.
Authorities said three children, ranging in age from 8 months to 8 years old, were inside the home when the incident occurred.
The Sheriff's Office did not provide additional details about how long the infant allegedly remained unattended or the circumstances immediately preceding the drowning.
The arrest came more than six weeks after the initial emergency response.
Sheriff Mike Chapman described the investigation as heartbreaking, emphasizing the responsibility of parents and caregivers to protect children.
"This is a heartbreaking case involving the death of a helpless infant and circumstances that no children should ever have to endure," Chapman said in the official release.
He added that investigators remain committed to seeking justice for the child while protecting vulnerable members of the community.
The case remains under active investigation, and the charges are allegations. Pisani is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Authorities are asking anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Franks at 703 777 1021 .
Additional details about court proceedings or a possible trial date were not included in Tuesday's announcement.