Florida

New Body Cam Video Shows Dramatic Arrest of Fla. Mom Accused of Killing Her Children

Authorities in central Florida released new police body camera video showing the arrest of a mother who allegedly killed her three children in March.

The footage shows the arrest of 33-year-old Jessica McCarty, minutes after Palm Bay Police said she killed her three young children, NBC affiliate WESH reports.

McCarty has been charged with three counts of murder in the deaths of 5-month-old son Christopher Swist, 7-year-old daughter Laci McCarty, and 6-year-old son Philip McCarty, Palm Bay police spokeswoman Yvonne Martinez said.

Laci and Philip died the same day of the attack, police said, while Christopher died two days later.

Palm Bay Police said McCarty tried to strangle Christopher and Philip and drown 7-year-old Laci. Laci and Philip died Friday night after being taken to the hospital.

McCarty then called 911, saying she had killed her children and injured herself.

According to the arrest warrant, prior to calling police, Jessica McCarty texted photographs showing blood throughout her home to her youngest son's father, Chris, who also called police and then went to the home.

Police said they found an open journal belonging to Jessica McCarty on the dashboard of a car in her driveway. In it was a note that said, "To my family," and which she expressed remorse for her actions. Another page was addressed to Christopher's father, asking him to keep the child's name alive.

Police photos of Laci McCarty showed cuts on her knees and head. Photos of Christopher and Philip showed marks consistent with choking, police said.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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