Mother Held in the Death of One Child and Attempted Murder of Another NR12083kr

Los Angeles:  Detectives have arrested the 32-year-old mother of two small children she is accused of  drowning.

On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at around 7:30 a.m., 77th Area officers were called to the 900 Block of West 50th Street to investigate what appeared to be a double drowning.   The two children, a 5-year-old girl and her 1-year-old sister, Lindsay Taque, were found unresponsive and both were transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles City Fire Department personnel.  Shortly after arriving at the hospital, Lindsay was pronounced dead.  Her sister remains hospitalized in grave condition.

Detectives from LAPD’s Juvenile Division Abused Child Unit quickly responded to the scene to take control of the investigation.  Family members, friends and neighbors were interviewed and it was quickly determined that the children’s mother Lorna Valle, was responsible for the death of baby Lindsay, and the attempted murder of the baby’s older sister.  Detectives believe Valle attempted to drown both children, for reasons that have yet to be determined.

The Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Valle has been booked for murder and is being held on $1.5 million bail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Matthew Spillane at 213 486-0507.   During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.