Mom Admits Smothering Her Children, Charged With Murder

A Maryland mother has admitted smothering her two young children to death. Authorities said Sonya Katrina Spoon, 24, confessed to killing her 3-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son. However, she had not disclosed a motive. Spoon is currently being held without bond.

Early Sunday morning, authorities received reports of “two unresponsive toddlers” at a Cheverly home. When emergency crews arrived on the scene, both toddlers were unconscious. A neighbor, who did not wish to be identified, describes the horrific scene.

“My two oldest woke me up when they noticed all the flashing lights from the police cars and ambulances that were out here… They kind of made a big commotion because they saw one of the children being brought out.”

The toddlers were immediately transported to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.

As reported by WUSA 9 News, Spoon was arrested at the scene. In a police interview, the mother eventually admitted that she intentionally smothered both children. She was later charged with two counts assault and two counts of murder.

Huffington Post reports that Sonya was born in Russia. As a young child, she immigrated to the United States via adoption. According to reports, Sonya was adopted and raised by Gary and Paivi Spoon, who are both well-respected members of the community.

Neighbors describe Gary and Paivi as a “wonderful couple… always really polite… really quiet.” According to official records, Gary is a Certified Public Accountant, who works from home. Paivi was previously employed by the governments of Finland and the United States. She is currently a member of the Cheverly Planing board.

Witnesses confirmed the incident occurred in Gary and Paivi’s home. Although the parents purchased a house for Sonya, she recently moved back home.

Rushern L. Baker, III, Prince George’s County Executive, issued an official statement about the tragedy.

“We are all saddened by this tragic event. The loss of two children that were so young tugs at our hearts. As the police investigate this horrible case, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the people of the Cheverly community as they try to reconcile how and why this happened.”

Authorities have not released an official cause of death as the autopsies are not complete. Detectives are currently attempting to determine a motive for the heinous crime.

Detective Bernard Jones underlined the fact that the murders were an isolated incident, and there is “no need for the community to be afraid.” The mother admitted smothering her children and will remain in police custody pending trial.

[Image via Washington Post]