Mother Arrested for Allegedly Making Suicide Pact with 10-Year-Old Daughter

A shocking incident unfolded in Mississippi when a mother, Brittney Leigh Hensley, was accused of entering into a suicide pact with her young daughter, only to allegedly abandon the agreement after her 10-year-old ingested pills. The Ocean Springs Deputy Chief of Police, Steven Dye, revealed to PEOPLE that Hensley, 37, was arrested and charged with felony child abuse causing serious bodily harm.

Hensley's arrest took place in Alabama, and she was subsequently extradited to Mississippi to face the serious allegations. The arrest occurred on Tuesday, Oct. 29, with Hensley currently being held at the Jackson County Adult Detention Center in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on a $500,000 bond.

According to Deputy Chief Dye, the case has not yet been presented to a grand jury, indicating that legal proceedings are still in progress. The authorities are diligently working to build a robust case to ensure accountability for the alleged actions.

Reflecting on the distressing nature of the case, Deputy Chief Dye expressed the community's shock and emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. He highlighted the emotional impact on law enforcement officers, many of whom are parents themselves, stating that cases of child abuse are particularly challenging for them.

The initial response from law enforcement came following a report of a child overdosing at a Studio 6 Motel in Ocean Springs on July 6. Police Chief Ryan Lemaire confirmed that upon arrival, the 10-year-old girl was found unresponsive. Inside the motel room, authorities discovered various capsules and empty prescription medication bottles near the child, believed to be prescribed to Hensley.

Both mother and daughter were swiftly transported to Ocean Springs Hospital, where they received medical attention. The daughter was later airlifted to USA Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Alabama for further treatment and fortunately survived the ordeal.

Investigations revealed that Hensley and her daughter had allegedly agreed to a suicide pact, involving the consumption of medication. However, subsequent medical examinations contradicted Hensley's claims, with blood work indicating inconsistencies in her statements. Medical professionals concluded that if her statements were accurate, she would not have survived.

As the case unfolded, Hensley reportedly fled to Alabama, where she was apprehended by Huntsville police on Oct. 15. Following her arrest, she was extradited back to Mississippi to face the charges against her. As of the latest update, Hensley has not been indicted, and her legal representation remains undisclosed.

Meanwhile, the 10-year-old girl is under the care of Mississippi’s Child Protective Services, ensuring her safety and well-being in the aftermath of the traumatic incident.