Mother Claims Baptism Led to Tragic Death of 6-Year-Old Daughter

A Brooklyn mother, Karla Espinal, 26, has been charged after her 6-year-old daughter, Madelyn Tavarez, was discovered lifeless in their Highland Park home bathtub. Prosecutors revealed that Espinal told authorities she was "baptizing" her daughter, shedding light on a tragic incident that has left the community reeling.

Reports indicate that when police arrived, they found young Madelyn submerged in the bathtub with blood clots in her eyes, suggesting a harrowing struggle for survival. Sources close to the investigation shared these distressing details with The Post.

According to court documents, a relative of Madelyn recounted the disturbing events to law enforcement. The relative informed authorities that Espinal had submerged Madelyn in the bathtub, where the child remained motionless. The criminal complaint filed by the Brooklyn DA's office stated that Espinal allegedly expressed, "I was baptizing my daughter."

Following the incident, Espinal has been placed under psychiatric evaluation and suicide watch as the legal process unfolds. The tragic turn of events saw Madelyn rushed to Brookdale University Medical Center, where she was tragically pronounced dead, despite efforts to save her life.

Madelyn's father, Jorge Tavarez, informed the police that his daughter had been well merely an hour before the heartbreaking discovery. Espinal, appearing in court wearing a surgical mask, faced charges of second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and endangering the welfare of a child during her arraignment.

Prosecutors have indicated that they await the results of an autopsy to determine if further charges will be brought against Espinal in connection to the devastating loss of Madelyn.

Neighbors expressed shock at Espinal's arrest, highlighting that the mother and daughter had seemed to be part of a content and loving family. Despite the outward appearance, the tragic events that unfolded have left the community grappling with the loss of young Madelyn.

During the court proceedings, relatives chose not to provide any comments on the heartbreaking situation, further underscoring the profound impact of the incident on those closest to the family.