Washington, CT – A 27-year-old Connecticut woman, Sadie Fleming, has been charged with murder after Connecticut State Police said she drowned her 1-month-old son, Hudson Fleming, in June. The tragic incident, which led to a Silver Alert for the mother and child, has now resulted in murder charges after authorities discovered the baby’s lifeless body in a nearby brook.
The Incident: A Missing Baby and Tragic Discovery
On June 8, 2024, Sadie Fleming and her 1-month-old son Hudson went missing from their home in Washington, a rural town about 35 miles northwest of New Haven. The night before, Fleming had reportedly been experiencing troubling psychiatric symptoms, including an episode where she believed “people were after her.”
According to the arrest warrant, a woman living with Fleming and her baby said she last saw them around midnight on June 7, when they went to bed. The following morning, both mother and baby were gone. The woman, whose identity is redacted in the document, described Fleming as having a history of psychiatric issues, and mentioned that she had just started a new medication the day before they disappeared. This led to a Silver Alert being issued for the missing mother and baby.
Investigation and Evidence: A Soaking Wet Woman and a Lifeless Baby
The search for Fleming and Hudson intensified when an anonymous caller reported spotting a woman matching Fleming’s description walking alone on Blackville Road in Washington. The woman, who appeared soaking wet and mentally disoriented, was approached by police.
Upon questioning, Fleming allegedly responded, “What baby?” when asked about her missing son. According to authorities, she appeared paranoid, panicked, and unaware of her location. She was taken to a hospital for further evaluation.
While Fleming was at the hospital, authorities continued their search, which led to the discovery of Hudson’s body in a small body of water. Next to the baby’s body, authorities found an infant carrier and vape pen, both identified as belonging to Fleming. The cause of death was later confirmed by an autopsy to be drowning.
Fleming’s Confession and Mental Health Struggles
As police questioned Fleming further, she reportedly gave a disturbing account of what transpired the night of Hudson’s death. She told authorities she believed “people were after her”, which led her to hide in a closet with Hudson during the early hours of June 8. Fleming also mentioned running through woods, a river, and a field, cutting her hands on barbed wire. At one point, she allegedly said, “He’s gone, I’ve lost him.”
Fleming also shared that she had been experiencing paranoid thoughts, including fears that “Illuminati people” were after her. According to the warrant, she had reported feeling manic, irritable, and paranoid just days before the incident, leading to a telehealth appointment on June 2, where she communicated concerns about her mental health.
Legal Proceedings: Arrest and Charges
In the weeks following Hudson’s death, Fleming was arrested and charged with murder and risk of injury to a child. Her bond was set at $5 million, and her first court appearance occurred on October 15, 2024. Fleming has since obtained legal representation, and her next court date is scheduled for November 7, 2024.
Fleming’s legal team declined to comment on the case, though they informed authorities in July that she would not speak to the police. Authorities have stated that they obtained a warrant for Fleming’s arrest after the autopsy confirmed homicide as the manner of Hudson’s death.
Background and Context: Fleming’s History of Mental Health Issues
Fleming’s mental health history has been central to the investigation. Police documents outline her struggles with psychiatric issues, which were documented as far back as 2019. Medications prescribed to her included treatment for conditions related to mood disorders. The connection between mental health and violent behavior has been discussed by experts, who stress the importance of early intervention and support for individuals experiencing psychiatric crises.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
As the legal process moves forward, the case is expected to highlight issues related to mental health, parental responsibility, and child welfare. Fleming’s mental state at the time of the crime will likely be a central focus of the trial. Legal experts believe that mental health defenses could play a significant role, but the charge of murder indicates prosecutors’ belief that this was a premeditated act.
The public continues to react with shock and sadness, as the case raises questions about the failure to prevent such a tragedy and the role of mental health care in preventing harm.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Hudson Fleming, and the arrest of his mother Sadie, has left a community reeling. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s death, many are left wondering how the failure to address Fleming’s mental health issues could have led to such a devastating outcome.
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