Man tried to drown twin toddlers at Connecticut beach after finding mother's 'witchcraft materials'

Police arrested a man who was allegedly drowning twin children at a Connecticut beach over the weekend, attributing the heinous atrocity to his "tumultuous relationship" with their mother

Romney Desronvil, 41, reportedly told authorities that he'd uncovered "witchcraft" belonging to the children's biological mother, which sent him into a panic. The materials, he asserted, suggested the woman was casting some sort of hex meant to "wish ill on another male." Desronvil immediately thought he was in danger. At one point, he yelled on the beach that his children's mother wanted to kill him.

The father, who admitted to kidnapping the twins, under the age of three, from their New York home, said he drove onto the beach around 2 a.m. to speak to another child who reportedly reinforced his suspicions but became spooked when he noticed a cop car driving by. He entered another panic and grabbed his children before plunging into the water.

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A West Haven policeman noticed the dad's vehicle on the beach and subsequently heard panicked cries coming from the water. Upon further investigation, the officer saw Desronvil and the twins floating into Long Island Sound. “It was obvious at this point that the male was deliberately drowning his children,” police said in a statement.

"Officers immediately entered the water and were nearly 100 yards away from shore at this time," the press release said, adding that the West Shore Fire Department also utilized a fire boat.

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"It is without a doubt the swift response by our patrol officers saved the lives of these children." police said in a release. "The communication and collaborative efforts made by the West Shore Fire Department and eventually the New Haven Police Department allowed for immediate medical aid and also the apprehension of Desronvil."

The twins were rushed to intensive care at Yale New Haven Hospital by ambulance after law enforcement officials and fireman dived into the water to receive the toddlers. Desronvil was arraigned Monday in Milford Superior Court where his bond was set at a whopping $2 million. He is scheduled to return to court July 1.

He faces charges of attempted murder, reckless endangerment and risk of injury to children. On Sunday, West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer, who called Saturday's atrocities "unthinkable," posted an updated on the twins' condition, reporting they've made "slight progress" and one was taken off intubation.

The kids' mother reportedly raced to the hospital to see them. Additionally, she disclosed to police that Desronvil may have mental health issues.

“I wanted to let her know that even though they are far from home they have an entire community here that cares for them and we will provide whatever she needs; a hotel, meals, clothing, or a big hug,” Mayor Borer said.