safety
Bench trial begins for South Florida mother accused of drowning toddler; defense cites COVID-induced psychosis
By Steve Maugeri at CBS4 Miami
· June 22, 2026
· 2 min read
A bench trial began Monday for a South Florida woman accused of drowning her 15-month-old daughter, with her defense team arguing she was temporarily insane due to a psychotic episode linked to COVID-19.Jurors were not present because the case is being decided by a judge.During opening statements, a
Key takeaway During opening statements, attorneys for Precious Bland played body camera footage recorded as first responders treated her after police say they found her daughter dead in a bathtub in 2021.
Why this matters in The Miami
The bench trial of Precious Bland, a South Florida mother accused of drowning her toddler, raises concerns about the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system in Miami -Dade County. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to consider the resources available to residents struggling with mental health crises, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. The defense's argument that Bland was experiencing a psychotic episode linked to the virus highlights the need for increased support and services for those affected by the pandemic. Miami's diverse communities, including those in Little Havana and Wynwood, may be disproportionately impacted by limited access to mental health care, exacerbating the risk of tragic outcomes like the one alleged in this case. The trial's outcome will have implications for how the county's courts and social services respond to similar cases in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A bench trial began Monday for a South Florida woman accused of drowning her 15-month-old daughter, with her defense team arguing she was temporarily insane due to a psychotic episode linked to COVID-19.Jurors were not present because the case is being decided by a judge.During opening statements, a
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steve Maugeri at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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