Tucson Mother Arrested After Trying To Drown 9-Month-Old Baby

On April 14, 2017, around 4:40 p.m., Tucson Police officers and members from the Tucson Fire Department responded to a report of a possible child drowning in the 1700 block of E. Benson Highway. The reporting party, identified as the mother, advised she tried to drown her child.

Officers arrived on scene and located an adult female holding a crying 9-month-old baby. Officers took custody of the baby and began performing first aid. The paramedics arrived on scene and transported the baby to a local area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Detectives learned the father of the baby had ended the relationship with the mother that day. The mother advised she then planned to kill her baby and then herself. She placed the baby in a bathtub filled with water and attempted to drown her.

The mother then removed the baby from the water and placed her on the bed. As the baby began to move and struggle to breathe, the mother assisted the baby and called 911 to report the incident.

The mother, identified as 28-year-old Leina Beckner, was arrested for Attempted 2nd Degree Murder and Child Abuse. She was transported and booked into the Pima County Jail.

The baby is currently in stable condition at the hospital.