Mother is facing a first-degree murder charge after she intentionally drowned her infant daughter inside a bathtub

A mother is facing a first-degree murder charge after authorities say she intentionally drowned her infant daughter inside a bathtub.

The suspect, 23-year-old Tierra Scott-Franklin, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the death of her 7-month-old child.

On January 14, 2026, Scott-Franklin called 911 and reported that her baby was in medical distress. Investigators later said Scott-Franklin told dispatchers she had drowned her daughter. When officers and emergency responders arrived, they found the infant unresponsive inside a bathtub. Life-saving measures were immediately initiated, and the child was transported to UF Health Shands Pediatrics where she was pronounced dead.

An arrest report states Scott-Franklin allegedly placed the infant into a partially filled bathtub with her face submerged, left the bathroom and closed the door, then returned several minutes later. Investigators said Scott-Franklin admitted to drowning the child and made statements indicating intent.

Police said the incident occurred inside an apartment at the Sweetwater Square Apartments on Northeast 15th Street in Gainesville, Florida.

During the response, a neighbor reportedly discharged pepper spray, and another individual inside the apartment was transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities did not release additional details regarding those incidents.

Investigators said Scott-Franklin told officers she suffers from multiple mental health conditions, hears voices, and had researched suffocation prior to the incident. Police also noted Scott-Franklin expressed fear of losing custody of the child.

Scott-Franklin was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Alachua County Jail.

During her first court appearance, a judge ordered her held without bond. She is to remain under supervision while in custody and is prohibited from unsupervised contact with minors.

Scott-Franklin was previously arrested in August 2025 for battering a 67-year-old victim. She now faces charges of battery of a person 65 years or older, violation of probation, and premeditated murder.