ST-EUSTACHE - A mother who allegedly attempted to drown her two children before intending to kill herself will be charged with two counts of attempted murder, local police said Tuesday afternoon.
St-Eustache police spokesman Const. Normand Brulotte said the woman, 31, remained in hospital under police guard, but that her lawyer would appear in court on her behalf for her arraignment, expected to take place Wednesday at the St-Jérôme courthouse.
The woman's alleged attempt to drown her children at around 6 a.m. Monday morning was stopped when her husband was woken up by the sounds of his children screaming, according to police.
The children were taken to Ste-Justine Hospital for treatment and they remain there with their father, though their lives are not in danger.
Police spent Monday taking statements from witnesses, including the children's father.
Neighbours say the woman, who was a stay-at-home mom, had fragile health, and she walked with a cane.
Nearby residents told CTV Montreal they never had any indication the woman was in distress, and their children played alongside each other.
"Everything was fine," said neighbour Joey Lipiek. "My kids went over and there was no problem. We were confident that nothing could happen. They are good people."
"They were a lovely family. Quiet, always smiling, and we would always say hello," said neighbour Martine Despaties.
