Orange County Mother Arrested After Toddler's Drowning Death

Toddler's Death in Placentia

• 💔 A 2-year-old child has died in Placentia, Orange County, in what appears to be a drowning incident during a bath.
• 🚨 The child's mother, identified as 40-year-old Melissa B. Soul, has been arrested in connection with the death.

Circumstances of the Incident

• 🛁 Police report that the mother was bathing the child in a plastic storage bin in a walk-in shower.
• ⏱️ She reportedly left the bathroom for approximately 2 minutes to get soap.
• ⚠️ Upon returning, she found the child face down in the bin.

Delayed Reporting and Self-Harm

• ⏳ The mother attempted CPR, and upon finding it ineffective, harmed herself with a sharp object.
• 🏠 She then remained in the bathroom with the child for approximately 6 hours without contacting anyone.
• 📞 A family member eventually discovered the mother and child and called 911 around 9:00 PM.
• 🚓 The mother has been booked on suspicion of...