Florida Mother Acquitted in Daughter’s Drowning Case; AG Calls for Judge’s Impeachment
Precious Brand from Miami faces serious criminal allegations stemming from a tragic incident that occurred on August 23, 2021. During this event, she drowned her 15-month-old daughter, Emmie, in a bathtub. In a desperate attempt to intervene, her husband was stabbed in the head and neck. Things escalated further when her stepdaughter tried to save the toddler; Bland reportedly attacked her as well, inflicting injuries on herself.
A police report, which was assessed by Court TV, revealed that during the chaotic moments, Bland expressed a belief that “the coronavirus is going to kill us all” and proclaimed the imminent return of Christ. She mentioned a desire to perform baptisms in the bathtub.
“I think my family is very cautious right now,” a source stated.
Bland had been under legal constraints for four years while waiting for her trial, facing serious charges including murder and aggravated child abuse. However, on a recent Tuesday, Judge Miguel Manuel de la Haut of Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit acquitted her of aggravated manslaughter and attempted first-degree murder, attributing the act to insanity.
This ruling sparked outcry from Florida Attorney General James Usmayer, who asserted the need for the judge’s impeachment. “This was a jury trial. It’s time to impeach this judge,” Usmayer stated, adding that his office would draft articles of impeachment for congressional support.
In response, Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized that the Florida House has responsibilities to uphold in such situations.
According to Florida law, the House can impeach judges for misdemeanors committed while in office. If impeached, a judge must be disqualified from serving until they are acquitted by the Senate.
A spokesperson from Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit mentioned that judicial ethics prevent them from commenting on ongoing cases.
During the trial, the prosecution hinted that Bland’s motivations might have stemmed from suspicions of infidelity regarding her husband. They also contested her claims of insanity, referencing her prior statements and asserting she was fully aware of her actions during the tragedy.
Prosecutor Elizabeth Ussett argued that emotions such as anger over perceived infidelity, rather than mental illness, played a role. She dismissed the idea of a COVID-19-induced psychosis, stating there was “no clear and convincing evidence” for such a claim.
Judge de la O seemed unconvinced that insanity was a genuine factor, questioning whether Bland could truly be detached from her actions, given her awareness of her surroundings.
Despite the tragic actions she took, her attorney, Larry Handfield, asserted that Bland should not be institutionalized, based on evaluations suggesting she didn’t require mental health treatment. Judge De la O also indicated that there was no necessity to institutionalize her.
After her acquittal, Bland expressed her feelings, stating, “God is good. This will not bring my daughter back,” and acknowledged her love for her remaining children. When probed about her ability to care for them, she said, “Without a doubt, without a doubt,” adding that her family is understandably on edge.
