A 25-year-old Philadelphia mother is facing criminal charges after her five-month-old daughter drowned in a spa tub at a Lancaster County hotel in Pennsylvania.
Diontae Nicole Beckett has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of children in connection with the infant’s death. Prosecutors allege Beckett was intoxicated when she placed her daughter in the hotel spa tub.
The incident happened on May 11, 2026, while Beckett and her daughter were staying at a hotel in Leacock Township.
Police Say Mother Had Been Drinking Throughout the Day
According to investigators, Beckett told police she had consumed alcohol throughout the day and had taken her daughter swimming earlier that afternoon before returning to their hotel room.
Authorities allege that Beckett later placed the infant in a spa tub while intoxicated. The child subsequently drowned.
Investigators said Beckett initially denied putting her daughter in the spa tub. However, police reportedly found a photograph and video on her phone showing the baby inside the tub.
Authorities said Beckett later indicated that she did not remember taking her daughter into the spa tub.
A chemical breath test reportedly showed Beckett had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.149% when she was interviewed by investigators.
Hotel Guests Tried to Save the Infant
Surveillance footage from the hotel reportedly showed Beckett entering the lobby while carrying her daughter, who appeared unresponsive.
Several hotel guests contacted emergency services and attempted life-saving measures on the infant before first responders arrived.
The child was ultimately pronounced dead. The coroner determined that the infant died from freshwater drowning.
Prosecutors have accused Beckett of recklessly causing her daughter’s death by placing the child in the spa tub while intoxicated.
Mother Released on $100,000 Bail
Beckett waived her preliminary hearing before Judge Raymond Sheller on August 26, allowing the case to move forward in county court.
She was released after posting $100,000 bail.
Court records indicate that Beckett is scheduled to appear in court on September 25, 2026, where the charges of involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of children will continue through the legal process.
The allegations remain accusations, and Beckett is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
