Maryland mom and boyfriend charged in Columbia toddler’s murder

A year-long investigation into the death of a three-year-old child in Howard County has led to murder and child abuse charges against the child’s mother and her boyfriend, authorities announced Friday.

Police said Kathleen Amesbury, 28, of Columbia, Maryland, and Dale Brown Jr., 25, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, were arrested on March 27, 2026, in Pennsylvania. Both face multiple charges, including second-degree murder, first- and second-degree child abuse, involuntary manslaughter, and neglect of a minor.

The horrific case first came to light on March 26, 2025, when hospital staff alerted police after the child was transported by ambulance from a home on Procopio Circle with severe injuries. Despite medical efforts, the child died two days later, on March 28.

The child had “severe injuries,” according to police.

According to investigators, evidence gathered over the course of the last year determined that Amesbury and Brown were responsible for the fatal injuries. Authorities have not released additional details about the nature of the abuse but described the investigation as extensive and thorough.

The arrests mark a significant development in a case that has remained under investigation since the child’s death, bringing renewed attention to issues of child safety and accountability.

Both suspects are awaiting extradition to Maryland, where they will face prosecution.

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(Sources: Howard County Government, WBAL-TV, Fox 45 News Baltimore)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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