(Harford County Sheriff’s Office)
A 32-year-old Aberdeen mother, Maya Dennis, spent New Year’s Eve in custody, charged with first-degree murder following the tragic death of her 5 ½-month-old daughter. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office reported that the infant succumbed to severe injuries allegedly inflicted by Dennis, marking a grim start to the new year.
“It’s heartbreaking to even talk about it, but there was a brain bleed, a fracture in the skull, a broken leg, and other serious internal injuries,” said Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler. “Here, around the holiday season, to be involved in the case of a murder of a defenseless child, it’s truly a heartbreaking thing for our people.”
The infant, who had spent much of her short life in the NICU before being discharged just before Christmas, passed away on Tuesday at Johns Hopkins Pediatric Trauma Center. She is survived by her twin brother, who, along with their three other siblings, is now under family care. Two of Dennis’s children were already living apart from her prior to the incident, told Wbaltv.
Court charging documents reveal that Dennis called 911 on Saturday night, claiming her daughter was not breathing. First responders rushed the child to the hospital, where medical staff alerted the sheriff’s office the following morning about injuries they described as “very serious, life-threatening, and indicative of child abuse.”
“Our investigators responded to the hospital and initiated the investigation, talking to family members – including the father, who was incarcerated at the detention center – and unfortunately, he learned about his child’s passing from our staff at the detention center. Just horrible. It’s just horrible at every turn,” Sheriff Gahler explained.
Dennis, during questioning, reportedly admitted her involvement in causing the injuries, according to the sheriff. The mother of six remains held without bail at the Harford County Detention Center, with a bail review scheduled for Thursday.
The tragic case has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly given the helplessness of the young victim. Sheriff Gahler acknowledged the emotional toll the investigation has taken on everyone involved, describing the incident as “truly heartbreaking.”
As the investigation continues, authorities emphasize the importance of reporting suspected abuse to protect vulnerable children from harm.
