28-year-old mother, who claimed she found her 2-year-old daughter she previously lost custody of “foaming at the mouth and shaking” but actually she beat the girl to death, was indicted
North Carolina – In a deeply disturbing incident that left North Carolina residents shocked, a 28-year-old mother, identified as R. Drain, has been indicted for murder and felony child abuse following the death of her 2-year-old daughter, whom she claimed had found her foaming at the mouth and shaking after suffering a fall but was later found to have died from blunt force trauma. Authorities say Drain beat her daughter to death, then lied to investigators, sparking outrage and a high-profile investigation that led to the state’s intervention in a troubled child welfare system.
Drain is facing two serious charges after a grand jury reviewed the evidence surrounding the December 2, 2024, death of her daughter. The toddler had previously been removed from her mother’s care by the county’s Department of Social Services following a child abuse case but was returned to Drain shortly before her death.
Sheriff T. Ruffin confirmed that emergency crews were dispatched to the home after a report of an unresponsive child. First responders found the girl unconscious. She was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead soon after. Drain claimed she had been cooking in the kitchen when she heard a thud. She said her daughter was standing and eating when she fell face-first and was later found “foaming at the mouth and shaking.” However, Ruffin stated plainly, “that wasn’t the case.”
An autopsy revealed the victim suffered from “extensive head trauma with scalp contusions, face contusions, and hemispheric acute subdural hemorrhage with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage.” The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, not an accident, and concluded the fatal injuries could only have been inflicted by an adult. At the time, Drain was the only person in the home with the child. Sheriff Ruffin noted that while the investigation took time, it was never about rushing to judgment. “There have been inconsistent testimonies,” he said, adding that his office was determined to pursue justice methodically.
Drain left North Carolina in the days following her daughter’s death and was later located in Connecticut, staying with family. Police were called to a domestic-related incident there on Monday, and during that investigation, they discovered she had an outstanding warrant for murder and felony child abuse. Drain was arrested and brought before a judge, where she reportedly wiped away tears during the hearing. Her bond was set at $2 million, and she is currently awaiting extradition back to North Carolina.
The death of the 2-year-old girl has not only devastated her family but also triggered a broader state response. On August 15, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services took over the county’s child welfare services, citing the 2-year-old girl’s case as the catalyst. It marked the second time in three years the state has intervened in the county’s operations.
The victim’s father has spoken publicly about the indictment, calling it a bittersweet relief. “Actually, it’s a relief because now my baby can finally rest in peace,” he told local media. “We can get justice for the people who caused harm to her… I can finally get some sleep now.” The father said the case has changed how he listens to his children. “When your kids tell you something… believe them,” he said.
The investigation remains open as Drain awaits her return to face the charges in North Carolina. Meanwhile, a community mourns a young life lost—a life that, despite warnings and prior intervention, slipped through the cracks of a system meant to protect her.
