Fla. Woman Charged With Killing Girl In Bathtub

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A Florida woman was charged with attempted murder and murder Tuesday after authorities said she drugged a 10-year-old boy and drowned his 2-year-old sister in a bathtub.

Police said Kimberly Lucas, 40, intended to take her own life after killing Elliana Lucas-Jamason and her brother, but she didn’t explain what stopped her from committing suicide. Police described Lucas, of Jupiter, as the former partner of the children’s mother, whose name was not released.

The boy, who was not named by authorities, told police he and his sister were left in Lucas’ care Monday at her apartment about 20 miles north of West Palm Beach. He said he was given a pill “to help him grow faster,” according to an affidavit. Lucas attempted to give the girl a pill as well, but she wouldn’t take it. Lucas told the boy she’d give the girl a bath instead, according to the affidavit.

Police haven’t said what kind of pill it was. The boy said he felt tired and dizzy after taking it and fell asleep. When he awoke, according to police, Lucas was sleeping beside him. He found the bathroom door locked and used a knife to open it, discovering his sister submerged in the bathtub. He pulled her out and attempted CPR before calling 911, police said.

“I think he’s the bravest person I ever met,” Jupiter Police Chief Frank Kitzerow said.

Officers responding to the boy’s call found a document of interest on a computer, but the content was redacted from the affidavit. The blacked-out passage is followed by mention of Lucas’ going to church Sunday with the boy, and the pastor’s discussion of Genesis 22.

Genesis 22 contains the story of Abraham preparing to kill his son Isaac under orders from God, only to be told at the last minute to stop. Jupiter police spokesman Adam Brown said he couldn’t elaborate on the message or speculate on Lucas’ motivation.

Lucas was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail. No bond was set. The jail said they did not know if she had an attorney.

___

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.