In a chilling confession, a woman from Nashville, Tennessee, disclosed the terrifying reason behind her decision to drown her seven-year-old daughter in a local creek.
The mother, Brandi Elliott, is facing charges of first-degree murder following the tragic incident that took place at Drakes Creek in Hendersonville last Saturday.
Authorities pieced together the events leading to the young girl’s death, revealing that Elliott had lured her daughter Piper to a shallow stretch of water close to their home under the guise of spending time at the greenway.
According to court records, Elliott described the horrifying moments to the investigators, saying she submerged her daughter in the water “like a large mouth bass” until she noticed “bubbling.”
During the ordeal, Elliott purportedly shushed her daughter, instructing her to remain silent as she held her underwater.
Realizing the gravity of her actions, Elliott pulled Piper from the water and attempted to resuscitate her using CPR.
Despite her efforts, Piper was pronounced dead at Hendersonville Hospital at 11:45 p.m.
When questioned by the police, Elliott recounted that the motive behind her alleged crime stemmed from a need for solitude after a particularly “rough day.”
She explained that after seeking a quiet moment alone in the stairwell, Piper followed her, unwilling to stay by herself in the apartment. Elliott told detectives that her daughter’s refusal to leave her side drove her to commit the heinous act.
Now, Elliott is detained at Sumner County Jail without the possibility of bail, charged with first-degree murder.
During a recent court session, the state of Tennessee’s prosecutors mentioned that the death penalty could be considered, although a final decision has not yet been made.
A follow-up hearing has been scheduled for August 14.
Previously treated for mental health issues, Elliott revealed she had struggled with postpartum depression after Piper’s birth. “When my daughter was two, I kind of lost it like I did this time,” she shared in court.
At the time of the alleged murder, Elliott was not actively receiving mental health care, and her defense team has currently declined a mental health evaluation.
To assist Piper’s father, a military veteran who has been left unable to work due to combat injuries, a GoFundMe page has been set up. For those wishing to support, you can click here to donate.
If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges or is in crisis, support is readily available. Contact Mental Health America by calling or texting 988 to connect with a 24-hour crisis center, or visit 988lifeline.org for webchat. Another option available is to text MHA to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.