A mother has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of her infant daughter, officials said. The Harford County Sheriff's Office reported that Maya Dennis, 32, is facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree child abuse after her 5 ½-month-old baby girl succumbed to traumatic injuries.
According to a press release from the Harford County Sheriff's Office, the investigation began when Child Protective Services reported a suspected case of child abuse to the authorities. Detectives learned that the infant was transported by ambulance to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center on Sunday, presenting with skull fractures, brain bleeds, a fractured leg, and several other life-threatening injuries.
During a search of the child's home in Aberdeen, ordered by the court, investigators found evidence consistent with foul play. While conducting interviews with potential witnesses and suspects, detectives received inconsistent accounts regarding the origin of the infant's injuries. Eventually, the focus shifted to Maya Dennis, who was alleged to have been the sole caretaker of the child during the time the injuries were inflicted.
Despite initial efforts by medical staff, the young victim's injuries proved fatal, and she passed away on the last day of 2024. After statements made by Dennis indicated her responsibility, she was taken into custody at the medical center where she was staying, having been arrested without incident by the HCSO Warrant Apprehension Unit. The suspect was transported to the Harford County Detention Center, pending her initial court appearance.
The case is currently ongoing as detectives continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the tragic death. The Harford County Sheriff's Office encourages anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective K. Smith at 443-409-3576. No further details have been released at this time as the investigation proceeds.
