A Miami woman, Precious Bland, has been found not guilty by reason of insanity for drowning her 15-month-old daughter in a bathtub. Bland, 43, had a bench trial and was acquitted of multiple charges, including her daughter's death, by Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Miguel de la O.
The incident occurred on August 23, 2021, at a home near Northwest 99th Street and 30th Avenue in West Little River. Bland, who was infected with COVID-19, allegedly suffered a psychotic episode and told family members that 'Jesus Christ is coming and COVID is going to kill us all.'
She then said everyone needed to be baptized, and that she would baptize everyone in the bathtub. Bland held her daughter underwater until the child became unresponsive. Her husband tried to intervene, and a struggle ensued. Bland then grabbed a knife and stabbed him several times.
Bland's husband and daughter, who were injured, were treated at a hospital and later released. The baby was pronounced dead at Jackson North Medical Center.
Judge de la O ruled that Bland did not understand the nature or consequences of her actions when she killed her daughter. Bland will now have to undergo an assessment hearing to determine if she needs additional mental health treatment or commitment.
