Liberty County, TX – A 39-year-old Texas mother has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly trying to drown her three children in a pond near their home following what authorities describe as a poisoning attempt involving NyQuil. The incident, which took place on September 29, has left the community in shock.
The Incident: Mother Allegedly Tries to Drown Her Children
According to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Jessica Quintana, 39, was arrested and charged with two counts of injury to a child and one count of aggravated assault causing bodily injury after she was released from the hospital on Friday, October 18.
Investigators say the incident began when Jessica allegedly dosed her three children — ages 6, 11, and 15 — with NyQuil before taking them to a pond near their Liberty County home. Authorities believe she intended to drown all three children.
“It’s presumed she took the children to the water with the intent of all of them not surviving,” said Capt. David Meyers of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office.
The children’s father, Domingo Quintana, called 911 after reportedly discovering what was happening. He told dispatchers that “his wife poisoned his children with NyQuil and attempted to drown them in a lake.” He also claimed there may have been vodka mixed with the NyQuil.
Investigation and Rescue Efforts
According to law enforcement, Domingo Quintana managed to pull his 11-year-old daughter from the water and rushed her to a nearby hospital, where she was listed in critical condition. The two other children were located shortly after and survived the ordeal.
Authorities confirmed that all three children were placed in the custody of Child Protective Services (CPS). Medical testing has not yet confirmed whether NyQuil or alcohol was present in the children’s systems, though police said no alcohol was found at the scene.
Jessica Quintana was initially taken to a hospital for mental health evaluation and later transferred to the Liberty County Jail, where she remains held without bond.
The Sheriff’s Office described the situation as “deeply disturbing” and confirmed that mental health assessments were conducted during her hospitalization, but results have not been made public.
Court Proceedings and Related Charges
Authorities confirmed that Jessica now faces two felony counts of injury to a child and one count of aggravated assault. Each offense carries the possibility of several decades in prison if she is convicted.
Meanwhile, Domingo Quintana, the children’s father, was also arrested on October 1 — just days after the drowning attempt — but on unrelated animal cruelty charges. Deputies reportedly discovered a cat being kept in unsafe and unsanitary conditions inside the home. He posted a $5,000 bond and was released.
During a child custody hearing held shortly after the incident, reports stated that all three children reacted negatively to the idea of staying with their father. As a result, Domingo was barred from seeing them, pending further review by child welfare officials.
The Sheriff’s Office added that “it is not confirmed whether the father will face any additional charges.”
Statements and Community Response
Community members in Liberty County have expressed shock and sadness over the case, describing it as one of the most disturbing family-related incidents in recent years. Local advocates for child welfare say the case highlights the urgent need for stronger mental health interventions, especially for parents under emotional or financial distress.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for Jessica’s actions, but mental health issues are suspected to have played a role.
“This was an unimaginable tragedy that could have ended much worse,” said one local official. “Thankfully, the children are alive and receiving the care they need.”
Background and Ongoing Investigation
The Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the events leading up to the incident, including the mother’s mental state, potential substance involvement, and home conditions prior to the alleged drowning attempt. CPS and local prosecutors are coordinating efforts to ensure the children’s long-term safety.
Jessica Quintana remains in custody without bond at the Liberty County Jail, awaiting her first court appearance. Prosecutors have indicated they may seek additional charges once toxicology and psychological reports are finalized.
Conclusion
The attempted drowning of three children in Liberty County has shaken the Texas community, sparking calls for greater awareness of mental health crises and domestic stress. As the case unfolds, officials emphasize that the focus now is on protecting the children and ensuring justice is served.
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