'Worst possible thing that can happen': Mother stabs, drowns girls ages 1 and 3 in the bathtub, cops say

Naomi Elkins is accused of drowning her two daughters, ages 1 and 3, in the bathtub at their home in Lakewood Township, New Jersey. (Mug shot: Ocean County Jail; Screengrab: WTXF/YouTube)

Police in New Jersey arrested a mother after she allegedly stabbed and drowned her two children.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said in a press release they charged Naomi Elkins, 27, with two counts of murder , possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon. According to Billhimer, officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded shortly before 5 p.m. on Tuesday to a call about two children in cardiac arrest at a home on Shenandoah Drive.

Cops arrived to find paramedics from Hatzolah Medical Services trying to save the 1-year-old and 3-year-old. However, life-saving efforts were unsuccessful, and first responders pronounced the two kids dead at the scene. Hatzolah is a volunteer medical service that serves Jewish communities. Lakewood has a sizeable Orthodox Jewish community.

Investigators learned that Elkins was the mother to both children. Detectives determined that Elkins stabbed the 1-year-old and then drowned both kids, prosecutors say. Citing police sources, Philadelphia NBC affiliate WCAU reported Elkins drowned the two girls in the bathtub.

Cops took her to the Ocean County Jail. A judge denied her bond during her first appearance.

Prosecutors have not suggested a motive for the murders. Her attorney, Mitch Ansell, released the following statement on behalf of his client:

The Elkins Family is deeply saddened by the tragic events that have occurred involving Naomi Elkins and her two young children. Our hearts go out to the grieving family and to all people affected by this unimaginable loss.

The sad truth is, Naomi Elkins has a well-documented history of severe mental illness which has absolutely played a major role in these devastating events.

While we acknowledge the seriousness of the charges that she is facing and respect same, we also believe that it’s important to recognize the incredible complexities presented by mental health challenges.

At this time, we kindly ask for the public’s prayers and support for all those that have been affected by this tragedy. We are committed to pursuing the most just and fair outcome through the legal system taking into account all of the circumstances involved.

The Asbury Park Press reported there was a playground and several kids’ toys around the home.

“It’s a horrible thing to know that something like that happened here,” Mayor Raymond Coles told the newspaper. “I always wait for the official information and stay out of the way. From what I know, it is the worst possible thing that can happen. Anything involving children hurts, and it makes it more powerful and sad.”

The post ‘Worst possible thing that can happen’: Mother stabs, drowns girls ages 1 and 3 in the bathtub, cops say first appeared on Law & Crime .