A Maryland mother and licensed clinical counselor is currently incarcerated following allegations that she drowned her 3-month-old daughter in a bathtub at their residence.
The police department in Montgomery County announced that their communications center received a 911 call shortly after noon on Sunday from 37-year-old Mackenzie R. Colgan, who reported that she had drowned a girl at their residence located on Summit Avenue in Chevy Chase, near Washington, D.C. Emergency personnel quickly arrived at the residence in an effort to rescue the girl. However, medical professionals at the hospital declared the girl deceased.
A probable cause arrest affidavit acquired by Law&Crime reveals that Colgan removed the baby from family members at approximately 11:40 a.m. on Sunday, stating her intention to take the girl upstairs for a bath. Approximately 20 minutes later, Colgan descended the stairs and informed the girl’s father and her husband that the victim had passed away, according to the affidavit. The father hurried upstairs, attempting to perform CPR on the baby while urging Colgan to dial 911.
Authorities transported Colgan to the precinct for questioning. After the incident, Colgan reportedly informed detectives that she had awakened that morning with a determination to “end everything.” She reportedly informed the authorities of her intentions to harm her two children and her spouse. Colgan mentioned that she prepared a baby bath by filling it with water and then positioned it inside a larger tub.
Authorities reported that she stated she positioned the infant to face away from her and submerged the victim’s head underwater until she was certain the victim had died. The name of the girl was omitted from the affidavit.
Colgan reportedly entered a bedroom with the plan to leap from a window; however, upon reaching the ledge, she reconsidered her decision, according to the affidavit. She descended the stairs and informed her husband of her actions.
Authorities have charged Colgan with first-degree murder and she is now being held at the Montgomery County Jail. She is set to have a mental health assessment prior to her initial court appearance.
Records from Maryland indicate Colgan holds a license as a clinical professional counselor.