Vermont Police Search for Mother Accused of Allowing 3-Month-Old Baby to Drown in Bathtub While Using Drugs
VERMONT — Authorities in Vermont are searching for a woman accused of leaving her 3-month-old daughter unattended in a bathtub while under the influence of multiple narcotics, leading to the infant’s drowning.
Briana Arnold, 34, is wanted on charges of involuntary manslaughter, cruelty to a child resulting in death, and possession of narcotics, according to arrest warrants issued in Chittenden County.
The search is being led by the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations (CUSI), a multi-agency task force that handles crimes involving children across the state.
Infant Found Unresponsive in Burlington Apartment
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on October 4, 2024, inside an apartment on Main Street in Burlington, police said.
Officers responded to a 911 call reporting a drowning child and arrived to find Arnold performing CPR on her 3-month-old daughter, Sapphira Tanita Perez Sanchez. Paramedics took over life-saving efforts and rushed the infant to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Following the child’s death, Burlington police referred the case to CUSI for further investigation.
Drugs Found in Home, Toxicology Reveals Multiple Substances
Investigators executed a search warrant at the apartment shortly after the incident. During that search, police say they found an open container of fentanyl inside a stove in the kitchen.
Authorities also obtained a blood sample from Arnold. Toxicology results allegedly showed the presence of benzoylecgonine (a cocaine metabolite), fentanyl, norfentanyl, and methadone, police said.
An autopsy conducted by the Vermont Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later determined that the infant’s cause of death was drowning.
Investigators Allege Infant Was Left Alone in Filling Bathtub
According to law enforcement, the investigation concluded that Arnold left her infant daughter alone in the bathtub while it was filling with water, despite being under the influence of multiple controlled substances.
Based on those findings, a judge approved arrest warrants for Arnold on October 27, 2024.
Mother Aware of Warrants but Refuses to Surrender
CUSI officials say Arnold has since made contact with law enforcement and is aware of the outstanding warrants, but has refused to turn herself in or meet with investigators.
Authorities are now asking for the public’s help in locating her.
Public Asked to Assist Investigation
Anyone with information on Briana Arnold’s whereabouts is urged to contact CUSI or their local police department. Officials warn residents not to approach her directly.
The investigation remains ongoing.