LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A month after three kids and their mom nearly drowned, ABC13 is finally learning the details of what prosecutors are calling an attempted murder-suicide in Liberty County.
Jessica Quintana, 39, is accused of trying to drown her children, ages 6,11, and 15, in her family’s pond on their sprawling Dayton estate after giving them tequila and Nyquil.
RELATED: Mother charged in near-drowning incident involving her 3 kids in Liberty Co., sheriff’s office says
Liberty County District Attorney Jennifer Bergman said this was Quintana’s “Plan B.”
“Thankfully, things did not go as planned, and Plan B was not able to be carried out,” Bergman said.
Charging documents show Quintana was charged with two counts of Injury to a child and one count of Attempt to Commit Aggravated Assault. The District Attorney says the 15-year-old daughter provided crucial information in their investigation.
According to arrest affidavits, Ms. Quintana’s teenage daughter told investigators her mother had two plans. “Plan A” was to pack their belongings and leave the residence. “Plan B” was only to be enacted if they could not leave the home.
Prosecutors said that on Sept. 28, the day before they all nearly drowned, Quintana tried to leave the home she shared with her husband, 61-year-old Domingo Quintana, but failed. Investigators would not elaborate on why the escape attempt out of the rural, isolated estate failed.
“Therefore, on the morning, the early wee morning, of Sept. 29, Ms. Quinanta carried out ‘Plan B.’ She instructed the children to drink a mix of alcohol and Nyquil, and she would roll them into the water once they were knocked out.”
“We know they consumed these substances based upon medical and toxicology records and information from witnesses,” Berman said.
Quintana and her three children were all rescued and spent weeks in the hospital. Quintana was arrested and charged last Friday morning, as she was being released from the hospital.
When ABC13 asked what could have driven the mother of three to carry out her “Plan B,” prosecutors would not elaborate, citing an ongoing investigation. ABC13 also asked about allegations of abuse inside the home. DA Bergman again said she could not comment.
“As of today, the father of the children will not be charged with the current murder suicide plot,” she added. Domingo Quintana has been charged in an unrelated animal abuse case and made a court appearance on that last week.
Jessica Quintana is still in the Liberty County Jail. She does not yet have an attorney listed.
The three children were released into the custody of Child Protective Services, who have placed them with family members.
For news updates, follow Miya Shay on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Copyright © 2025 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Niko Travis is a dedicated health writer with a passion for providing clear, reliable, and research-backed information about medications and mental health. As the author behind TrazodoneSUC, Niko simplifies complex medical topics to help readers understand the benefits, uses, and potential risks of Trazodone. With a commitment to accuracy and well-being, Niko ensures that every article empowers readers to make informed decisions about their health.
