New York Tragedy: Mother Drowns 6-Year-Old Daughter in Bathtub During 'Baptism' Ritual At Home

A horrific incident in Brooklyn, New York, has resulted in the death of a six-year-old girl.  Karla Espinal, 26, has been arrested and charged with felony assault and reckless endangerment after her daughter, Madelyn Tavarez, was found unresponsive in a bathtub. spinal reportedly told police she was "baptizing" her daughter when the incident occurred.  
However, investigators suspect the child may have been held underwater for up to 20 minutes, as evidenced by blood clots in her eyes, indicating a struggle.  Emergency responders were called to the scene but were unable to revive the child. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The child's father, who was not present at the time, reportedly sent a distraught message to his manager after learning of his daughter's death. Neighbors described the family as loving, though one recalled hearing a scream coming from the residence around 4:30 AM on the day of the incident.  A neighbor, Helen Cunningham, reported seeing paramedics carrying a small girl on a stretcher and then police leading a young woman away in handcuffs.

Authorities are now investigating the family's background.  Espinal has pleaded not guilty in court and is currently on suicide watch.  Prosecutors have stated that an autopsy is pending, and further charges may be filed depending on the results.  Espinal's next court appearance is scheduled for February 14.