Mom Who Drowned Sons Hit Them With A Van Last Year

A Pennsylvania mom, who drowned her sons, was previously investigated by a child welfare agency. According to police, Laurel Michelle Schlemmer hit her two youngest sons with her van in 2013. Although the incident was investigated, authorities eventually determined it was an accident.

Last week, Schlemmer was arrested for attempting to drown 3-year-old Luke and 6-year-old Daniel. The 40-year-old mother said “crazy voices” in her head convinced her to kill her sons.

The mother of three took her 7-year-old son to the school bus stop before returning home with her youngest sons. She then decided to give Luke and Daniel a bath. During the bath, Schlemmer said she heard voices, which convinced her to hold the boys under water.

During an interview with police, Schlemmer admitted trying to drown her sons. As they struggled against the assault, she eventually climbed into the tub and was “sitting on top of the boys while they were under water.”

As reported by USA Today, Schlemmer eventually took her sons out of the bathtub and called 911. She told the operator she was unable to perform CPR as she did not know how.

Daniel and Luke were transported to UPMC Passavant Hospital for treatment. However, Luke was pronounced dead on arrival. Daniel survived four days. As reported by Huffington Post, the 6-year-old was pronounced dead on Saturday.

Schlemmer is currently being held without bond in the Allegheny County Jail. She was charged with felony homicide, reckless endangerment, and tampering with evidence. Laurel Michelle Schlemmer is now facing additional charges in the death of her second son.

Attorney Michael Machen was hired to represent the defendant. Although Machen refused to comment, the attorney petitioned the court for a psychiatric evaluation. Authorities confirmed that Schlemmer is currently on suicide watch.

Schlemmer said she thought she “could be a better mother” to her oldest son “if the other two boys weren’t around.” She also said she thought Daniel and Luke “would be better off in Heaven.”

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, Schlemmer was investigated in two prior incidents involving her children.

In 2009, the mother was cited for leaving her toddler locked inside a hot car while she was shopping. Although the child was not harmed, Shlemmer was charged with leaving a child inside a parked car.

Last year, Schlemmer was investigated after backing into Daniel and Luke with her van. The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare became involved. However, they eventually determined it was an accident. Allegheny County’s Office of Children, Youth and Families, is currently reviewing the prior incidents.

Laurel Michelle Schlemmer’s husband Mark was at work when she drowned their sons. Mark has refused to comment about the incident.

[Image via Fox News]