A Connecticut woman is now facing murder charges following the tragic drowning of her 1-month-old son in June, as announced on Wednesday.
On June 8, law enforcement was alerted to an apartment after Sadie Fleming, 27, and her newborn were reported missing. According to The Darien Times, officers were directed to Fleming after a local resident reported seeing a woman wandering near their home. When questioned about her son, Fleming reportedly responded with, “What baby?”
State police described the scene, noting that Fleming was drenched and seemed to be in an “altered” mental state. She was found walking alone on a road roughly an hour before her son was discovered drowned in a nearby brook, according to WFSB.
The individual who reported Fleming missing mentioned that she had been hearing voices and felt threatened by an unknown presence. Earlier that week, Fleming had attempted to arrange a telehealth appointment due to feelings of paranoia and mania, but was told medication could not be prescribed as she was breastfeeding, WFSB reported.
Despite these concerns, police records indicate Fleming was taking several medications at the time of the incident. Furthermore, an arrest report revealed she had an active case with the Department of Children and Families and was worried her son might be taken from her, as noted by WFSB.
Interestingly, just two days prior to the incident, a doctor observed that Fleming appeared “more organized” and showed increased interest in her baby.
A baby carrier and a vape pen were found submerged in water near where Fleming’s son’s body was found. The person who placed the missing person call said the items belonged to Fleming, and that she probably took them when she left with her son.
The Darien Times reported that Fleming told a roommate that she ran through the woods, river, and a field while holding her son. The roommate said Fleming never disclosed her son’s death, though she appeared to know.
Fleming allegedly told a detective that she woke up that morning believing someone was out to kill her. Days earlier, she reportedly thought the “Illuminati” was after her.
According to reports, Fleming’s mental health issues date back to 2019 — when she caused a disturbance at the University of Connecticut. At the time, she was allegedly hearing voices, self-harming, and destroying property. A warrant stated that Fleming was committed in 2023 following an incident with state police.
WVIT reported that Fleming had an in-person doctor’s appointment scheduled for June 9 — a day after her son’s disappearance and death. The medical examiner confirmed Fleming’s son died from drowning.
Fleming’s bond was set at $5 million.
[Feature Photo: Connecticut State Police]
