CPS has custody of kids in case where mother, three children pulled from pond in Liberty County
It’s day two of the investigation into a mother and her three children who were pulled from a pond on the family’s property Monday morning in Liberty County.
It’s day two of the investigation into a mother and her three children who were pulled from a pond on the family’s property Monday morning in Liberty County.
MORE: What we know about the near-drownings reported in Liberty County
Child Protective Service says they now have custody of the children in this case, and they will be placed in foster care.
This comes after the children’s father, Domingo Quintana, 61, was booked into Liberty County Jail on Tuesday. He has been charged with animal cruelty.
What happened
Investigators with the sheriff’s office say Quintana told 911 that his wife had given the children NyQuil before attempting to drown them.
- ORIGINAL STORY: Mother, three children pulled from pond in Liberty County
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office received the call just before 6 a.m. Deputies arrived at the pond in the 9100 block of FM 1008 at 6:13 a.m. and found the three children and Quintana near the water.
The mother remained in the pond, Capt. David Meyers said.
Deputies said two children, a 6-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, were conscious and alert; they were transported by ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital.
An 11-year-old daughter and the 39-year-old mother were found unconscious and airlifted to Memorial Hermann in critical condition. As of Tuesday, the boy and the older daughter were listed in stable condition.
Meyers said there is no confirmation that alcohol was involved.
“Right now, we don’t have a specific focus on either parent,” he said. “We’re looking at both. We interviewed the father and will conduct forensic interviews with the children through Bridgehaven. Hopefully we’ll learn what the children tell us and can piece the puzzle together.”
Meyers said Quintana was interviewed by Texas Rangers.
“It was bizarre and breathtaking to see what deputies and investigators faced upon arriving at the scene,” Meyers said. “Any time children are involved, it’s heart‑wrenching for all of us in law enforcement. The best thing we can do now is pray for the children and their parents.”
Investigators were at the home throughout the night, Meyers said. A dive team searched the pond bottom for evidence they believe may be there.
The Texas Rangers and the Baytown Police Department are assisting in the investigation.
KPRC 2 is working to learn more and will make updates to this developing story.
