Investigators say 18-year-old Brenna Winter admitted to trying to hurt or kill her baby at least three times in less than a week because she wanted attention.
On June 1, 18-year-old Brenna Winter checked her three-month-old daughter into Nemours Children’s Hospital in Lake Nona, because the infant was vomiting blood.
She came back again the next day, saying it was happening again.
The baby was admitted to the hospital, and according to the arrest report, Winter was caught on live video standing next to the crib on June 6, when her baby’s heart rate monitor alarm went off.
Investigators say Winter later admitted she intentionally covered her daughter’s mouth, and tried to suffocate her.
A few hours later, Orlando police say Winter was nursing her daughter, and admitted to holding the baby so tight that the 3-month-old turned blue.
A hospital social worker immediately reported Winter to the Department of Children and Families, and the baby was placed in protective custody.
Now, DCF is investigating the 18-year-old mother’s mental stability.
“It’s not uncommon that when we’re addressing these issues that additional concerns regarding possible mental health of the parent or caregiver surfaces," said Kristi Gray, DCF. "When that happens, the agency relies heavily on our mental health community to do a thorough assessment of the caregiver or parent and make a diagnosis of what’s appropriate to do and follow that up with recommendations for treatment of that individual.”
A judge denied Brenna Winter bond on Friday. She will remain at the Orange County Jail on several charges, including attempted first degree murder.