Mom charged with attempted capital murder for driving car with kid inside into bayou

GALVESTON, Texas – A mother who police say drove her car with her child inside into a bayou in Galveston is now facing an attempted capital murder charge.

Galveston police says after reviewing videos, evidence, and witness statements, prosecutors have charged Latonya Kirven with attempted capital murder. Investigators say there is enough cause to believe Kirven was trying to drown her infant son after driving her vehicle into Offats Bayou on Sunday evening.

Police say Kirven was naked and under the influence when she drove her car into Offatts Bayou with her 6-month-old son inside. Some fishermen on a pier near the 1200 block of 61st Street jumped in, risking their own safety to save the baby boy from drowning.

The good Samaritans attempted to bring Kirven to shore, but police say she was combative.

Investigators say prior to submerging her car in 15 feet of water, Kirven had been involved in a hit-and-run accident. They say she ran over a 70-year-old man after the two had an argument. That incident happened near the 500 block of 42nd Street. The motive behind the assault remains under investigation.

Kirven, 30, is already facing charges of driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Her total bond has been set at $410,000.


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