Florida — A 24-year-old Florida mother is facing serious charges after authorities say she tried to take her own life and the lives of her three young children during a harrowing incident livestreamed on Instagram.
According to ABC News, Shaniece Willingham allegedly attempted a murder-suicide on the morning of September 24 after posting emotional goodbyes to friends and family on social media. Court documents reveal that Willingham placed her three children — ages 3, 2, and 8 months — in a wagon and walked them to a nearby community pool while continuing to post live updates.
“In the video, the defendant was telling everybody this was her last goodbye, and she could not take it anymore,” the affidavit states. “Willingham also said she loved her kids so much but could not leave them behind because no one could take care of them, and they would be safe with God.”
Investigators say Willingham FaceTimed her mother, telling her she loved her before turning the camera to show the pool. She then reportedly tied herself to her children and jumped into the deep end, despite none of them knowing how to swim.
The incident allegedly followed a heated argument earlier that morning. Willingham had been asked to leave her mother’s home and became upset when the father of her children refused to pick them up, reportedly telling her he “didn’t give a f***.”
Thankfully, other family members arrived at the pool in time to pull Willingham and the children from the water before tragedy struck. All four survived the incident.
Once taken into custody, Willingham admitted to wanting to end her life and kill her children, according to authorities. She is now facing three counts of attempted first-degree murder.
