A Central Florida mother was arrested for attempting to drown her children – and she posted videos to Instagram.
The Valrico mother is facing multiple charges after attempting to drown her three children at a community pool. Local deputies responded to a call at a community pool on Sacramento Street in Valrico, near Tampa.
When deputies arrived, they located 24-year-old Shaniece Willingham on the pool deck. Family members had already intervened, pulling the children, ages 8 months, 2 years, and 3 years, from the water and taking them to a nearby home.
Throughout the investigation, deputies learned that Willingham left her parents’ home with the children following an argument. Shortly after, she began posting videos to Instagram stories in which she declared her intent to harm herself and her children.
Family members, alerted by the videos, rushed to the pool and witnessed Willingham throw the children into the water before jumping in herself and holding the children underwater. They immediately intervened, removing everyone from the pool.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded and evaluated the children, who showed no significant injuries. Willingham was taken into custody.
“This incident is nothing short of horrific,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “The fear and betrayal these innocent children must have felt, at the hands of the one person meant to love, care for, and protect them, is unimaginable. This decision was not a cry for help, it was a deliberate act of cruelty. Mental health challenges may provide an explanation, but there is no excuse, no justification. These children were failed by their own mother, and it is only by the quick actions of their family that they are alive today.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or dial 211 to connect with local support services. Help is available.
This remains an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
