A judge has set bail at $1 million for a City Heights mother charged with attempted murder and child cruelty in the near-drowning of her 9-month-old baby girl.
Whitney Holman, 22, faced a judge for the first time in court on Wednesday. On Friday, Holman’s baby daughter nearly drowned inside a bathtub in her apartment in the 4100 block of 42nd Street.
Holman – who was the only person home at the time of the incident – called 911 Friday around 3:40 p.m. to report that her baby had nearly drowned. The infant was transported to Rady Children’s Hospital in critical condition.
Holman was questioned by police on Friday and subsequently arrested on charges of attempted murder and felony child abuse. Investigators said Holman has no history of child abuse and was cooperative with police.
On Wednesday, Holman entered a San Diego courtroom looking slightly nervous. A judge set the mother’s bail at $1 million and postponed her arraignment until Jun. 11. The judge also issued a restraining order against Holman out of protection for the baby.
Holman’s attorney is still waiting for police records and has requested more information about her client’s case so Holman can better prepare what to plea.
NBC 7 spoke with Holman’s aunt, Andrea Burnett-Davis, who was also in court Wednesday.
Burnett-Davis says she blames Child Protective Services for not helping Holman prior to the bathtub incident. She claims her niece had called authorities two days before the incident to report that she was having suicidal thoughts.
However, her aunt claims Holman received no help from authorities at that time.
“Many people are losing their children for all the wrong things, all the wrong reasons. And the people that are really out there, needing the help, are not getting the services. The system is crazy,” Burnett-Davis told NBC 7.
As for the baby girl’s current condition, Holman’s family told NBC 7 the child is still in the hospital but was recently taken off a ventilator. The family says the baby is now trying to breathe on her own.
Meanwhile, Holman’s attorney says she’s exploring a plea of insanity for her client, since Holman appears to be having mental issues.
Holman is scheduled to appear in court again on Jun. 11. She faces life in prison with the possibility of parole, if convicted.
Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego