A Philadelphia woman is facing criminal charges in the death of her five-month-old daughter, who police said drowned in a hotel spa tub. Diontae Nicole Beckett, 25, has been charged with endangering the welfare of children and involuntary manslaughter.
According to the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office, Beckett and her child, identified as A'zara Beckett, were staying at the Best Western Plus Intercourse Village Inn & Suites. Police stated that Beckett admitted to drinking throughout the day of the incident, which occurred on May 11. Initially, Beckett told investigators she had not placed her daughter in the spa tub. However, after officers discovered photos and videos on her phone depicting the infant in the tub, Beckett allegedly stated she was unaware she had placed her daughter there.
Surveillance footage from the hotel reportedly showed Beckett carrying her baby, who appeared lifeless, into the lobby. The District Attorney's Office stated that this observation prompted other hotel guests to call 911. Some guests attempted to provide aid before first responders arrived, but the infant was pronounced dead at the scene.
A chemical test conducted after the incident revealed that Beckett's blood alcohol level was 0.149 percent, which is nearly twice the legal limit for driving in Pennsylvania. Beckett has since been released from jail after posting a $100,000 bond. She appeared in court on Wednesday and waived her preliminary hearing. Her arraignment is scheduled for September 25.